Wizard - Thor
Massacre Records
True/Power Metal
11 songs ()
Release year: 2009
Official Homepage, Massacre Records
Reviewed by Thomas

This is the sacred number eight from the heathen German true/power metallers Wizard. After 2007’s success Goochan, it has taken them two years to complete this conceptual album about the thunder-god of Norse mythology, Thor. Prodigal son and original guitarist re-joined the band for this album, which will make for two guitarists this time around. They have for the record already done a concept album on the chief god Odin, so why not do another on his son? The comparison to Manowar in terms of image made me skeptical at first, since I’m not the biggest fan of the English pussycats. However, after reading reviews of their previous works, and getting some listening done myself, I got my answer.

This is actually my first experience with the German magicians, and Wizard may be as cliché as only Manowar can be, thereby the nickname, ‘The German Manowar’. The lyrics are so-so at best, yet still charming, and I have to admit that it puts a smile on my face while I’m singing along to the slightly silly war-chants about killing trolls, hammer-swinging, thunder and lightning. As far as I know, Goochan showed the more progressive side of the band, and while these guys never have seemed to release the same CD twice, this is described as a return to the powerful, epic heavy metal they’re known by. I myself believe that this has to do with the return of their former guitarist, which makes for two relatively skilled axmen to churn out excellent riffs with thunderous intensity, and definitely the strongest part of the band. The hammering riffs and blazing leads lights you on fire from the first crushing blow of Utgard (False Games), the speed-y Asgard and the storm that is Ressurection. This all varies from melodic and super-catchy power metal, to the more epic crunchier side of true heavy metal which can be compared to AxeHammer. The only beef I have with the guitar-playing is that it isn’t exactly the cleanest playing I’ve heard. The leads are rather sloppy, yet still fun as they’re clearly not attempting to grab anything out of their reach.

Sven D’Anna is maybe not the strongest vocalist around, yet his soaring wails are very fitting, and the sometimes mindless falsettos which he’s spreading all over the place are enjoyable to a certain extent. He wraps every mighty chorus into his own arms, and preserves it with his good range and high-pitched screaming. He’s aggressive in his very own typical way, but as I said, his falsettos tend to be a bit much now and then as he’s not that good at it. However, the overall quality of his vocal chords will strike you powerfully and his excitement is unavoidable. He delivers a performance he forces every inch of emotion into, which gives renewed life to every song while the rhythmic parts constructs the powerful body of this structure. Every band-member contributes with their own skill, and while they might not be the best at what they’re doing, their song-writing skills seems to have improved significantly from their earlier years, and some may hold this as their best effort to date. With many years in the business, they’ve compiled the experience to create blazing songs with entertaining riffs, aggressively pounding rhythm-work, exciting leads, and inspiring vocals. Can you ask for more?

Not if you’re after some senseless fun in some catchy and melodic heavy metal. This is very consistent, as they don’t blow their load after the four first songs, leaving you with seven utterly boring tracks. This is firmly clutching your attention all the way through even though it’s by slightly sloppy playing or an odd-placed falsetto. If you’re born to look critical upon everything, like me, this may be a slight problem for you, however, this shouldn’t be a issue for anyone, neither should it be for me, and I’ve definitely learned to enjoy this with a great pinch of excitement during the last couple of spins. Definitely recommended for the average power/heavy metal fan, as this is something each and every one of you should like. Recommended.

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Thomas quoted 85 / 100
Other albums by Wizard that we have reviewed:
Wizard - Goochan reviewed by Jeff and quoted 95 / 100
Wizard - Magic Circle reviewed by Mike and quoted 64 / 100
Wizard - Bound By Metal reviewed by Ben and quoted 71 / 100
Wizard - Odin reviewed by Mike and quoted 92 / 100
Wizard - Head Of The Deceiver reviewed by Danny and quoted 90 / 100
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