I've always wanted someone to come out with a praise album done all metal like. So I don't need to tell you that I was excited to hear that Sons of Thunder, a Swedish band, had an album called Metal Praise.
The excitement was dulled after having heard it. It's definitely lighter ended groove metal, with very light vocals, in the style of later Queensryche (although he doesn't SOUND like Geoff Tate, and doesn't have the range of Geoff Tate, he just sings that cleanly.)
Musically what you got is pretty simple, straight forward groove. Nothing new or earth shattering here, but it's not bad. It's catchy, and groovy and all that and hey if AC/DC can do 3 chord songs for the past decade these guys can pull this off too!
Lyrically is where this album stands up and kicks your butt! With the sole exception of the first song where they say "We'll kick some ∗ss for His Kingdom!" Yes they said the "A" word. Not a big deal to me, they even included a little apology note in the CD explaining that in Sweden it's not an offensive word and had they known in America it was they would not have used it. STILL some people will be offended by the use of this word so BUYER BEWARE!
I love the idea behind this album. I'd like to see some other bands writing praise and worship music done to some heavy music (How about it FEAST ETERNAL!?!?!?!?!?!?) but as for this effort, I'd have to say it's for fans of music similar to Tesla, Warrant, or Mr. Big. In other words...not me, but I'm sure someone is going to flip out over this stuff.
4.5/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by MuchNo Way! I hate pinner reviews, but not much to say here. This had about everything I abhor in music. Basic structures, predictable redundance, simple lyrics, 80's feel (the vocalist uses "HUGH" ala 80's cheeZe) and non-aggressive vocals. Metal Praise (<--- is this title for real?) is hard rock at best. Compared to this, AC/DC sounds like death metal. 1/10HM Magazine #86Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThese metalheads have recently unleashed two albums, Metal Praise and Load Aim Fire. I have to admit that I pretty much hate most of the material here. The song "Healing To My Soul," on the 4-song Metal Praise saves things for me, with the memorable vocal lines and the tight n' chunky guitar riffs. Otherwise, this is not the kind of metal I'm proud of. They can play their instruments, but there's…
