Now, as Tolkki has parted ways with Kotipelto and Michael, what is the future of Stratovarius? If Tolkki'd like to be smart, he'd check out the name Pasi Rantanen for the position behind the microphone, pronto, and as a second guitarist, Nino Laurenne would fit the spot perfectly, whose band we have here, presenting their second album, The Burning. And there is good food for the metal heart here, that I can promise you. Surely, Mr. Rantanen's voice is quite different from the one of Kotipelto. To the better, I'd dare say. I'm sure many found Koti's voice very strained in when hitting the high notes. Suchlike tendencies are far from Mr. Rantanen's repertoire, however. But could I please be so kind as to stop comparing the two bands now? OK. The chance was to good to be passed up on, that's all. What I mean by this is simple: Tolkki and company have to watch themselves, because Thunderstone have become equally good as them.

Somehow I managed to miss the debut. I'll have to rectify that. Could become a nuisance, since I'm so happy about the second album. Really, they do nothing new. But how they do it... It doesn't matter if the pedal is floored to the max (Break The Emotions, Tin Star Man), or if they choose to play somewhat slower (Until We Touch The Burning Sun, Mirror Never Lies). And also included, is a semiballad (Sea Of Sorrow), where Pasi's voice really shines. OK, there is nothing much to say about this kind of metal. Who've heard it once... you know. But then, the fact that the Finns have developed the production of CDs into a craft of its own really helps too. The Burning was recorded in Nino's own studio, Sonic Pump, and of course mastered at Finnvox. In the end we have a product that manages to convince, and that has made a new fan out of me. Especially Break The Emotions, Until We Touch The Burning Sun, and Sea Of Sorrow are three songs very much to my liking. It is going to be exciting to see how they develop from now, and if they manage to get the recognition they so deserve.

Thunderstone