Ah, we got ourselves another one. 2024 seems to be the year of early metal and gritty rock that wafts straight up from the ’80s. New interpretations from bands who should know better than to rehash the past. But then, I’ve seen many a youngster embrace the olden and golden times of young Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. And those are people I know personally, not some odd acquaintances on Social Media. So, these ‘young’ bands embracing old-style rock ‘n’ roll may be on to something after all.
And this is amazing and telling at the same time. Methinks that the modern overwrought electronica still cannot beat what hit our turntables for the last three decades of the last millennium. And who could blame them, right?
So, here Greyhawk hit our turntables with their very own Thunderheart. At first, the record didn’t register with the Review Desk.1 But this changed after letting it rest for a few weeks and let ‘er roar again. And perhaps the mini version of The Hulk on the album cover summoning a mystical bird probably helped matters along. But whatever the case may be, finally a band appeared with a Fantasy Metal brand that doesn’t ooze the terrible stench of last week’s stale fondue. And that’s mighty good.
The band serves a refreshing mix of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock with some Power Metal sprinkled into it. Rev Taylor and his deep-throated hollers majestically carry the fight forth onto the battlefield. And while he sure is no second Dickinson, the vocal prowess on record hits straight on with the fare Thunderheart is selling here. They’re a varied bunch, too. Apart from the hardy bits, Greyhawk also loves itself a bit of a medieval tint at times. The Golden Candle will tell ye what I mean. This is some real power ballad that’s seldom seen these days. And the RMR crew got a true kick out the excellent clip with Rev and Ze Boyz practicing backing vocals like brave little birdies.2
The record won’t invent a new snazzy version of some tired metal genre. I am constantly hearing references to Iron Maiden, Dio, early Judas Priest, and some vibes of Cirit Ungol. Instead, the RMR crew found a lively and – indeed – refreshing interpretation of what came before us. The Speed Metal-ish Spellstone surely hits its mark dead center. Hard Rock country reaches us already with the hybrid called Ombria (City of the Night). And that’s one of Greyhawk‘s quirks. Rock & Roll City, for example, rumbles away with some stout Hard Rock at first, just to gallop into astonishing maiden vibes. The Trad Metal piece Steadfast majestically marches forth by the ides of time. Until the band hits the unsuspecting listener with one of these stellar solos.
Thunderheart‘s enigmatic to a point, too. It dispenses Power Metal’s positivity, yet favors olde Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. It serves a mountain of fun metal without the cheesy silliness.3 And – at the same time – Greyhawk manage to inject a strange serious streak into their greenish world of fantasy and lofty lores.
So, where does this record leave us? Since we fired up the record, Greyhawk has been a hearty discovery. The record won’t try to recreate olden times. Instead, Thunderheart lustily forges its very own steely brand of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. An offering that clearly sails near to the old masters of the ’80s as it pursues its own tasty metallic forays into fairy country and knightish chivalry.
And now, I feel like painting myself green and riding to war on my fearful Warhawk to Týr‘s mighty fortress in the far North. To lob RMR’s version of Mjolnir at their walls and conquer the damned thing. There’s thunder and the lust for battle in our hearts, now. There, you did it, Greyhawk.
Cool record.
Ed’s note: Continue your path to new Heavy Metal with Flamekeeper. Have a click!
Record Rating: 8/10 | Label: Fighter Records | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 2 April 2024