Distant Thunder was formed in 2003, and put on hold again only a year later. Initially I think frontman James Rivera meant to reform Helstar, but when that fell through, Distant Thunder saw the light of day, even using the title of Helstar's 3rd album as their band name. But busy as James is, the band only got to release one demo, and a full-length album. There might have been some legal issues at hand too, as it seems that information about this band is scare nowadays.

WELCOME THE END (2004) MASSACRE

Distant Thunder was an attempt at a constructed rebirth of Helstar, even taking their name from that bands 3rd outing. So it's no surprise when their music is a blue print of the speedy power metal of old. Mind you, they are not trying to compete with the overtly technical aspects of 'Nosferatu', but are rather content on carrying on with the formula used on Helstar's earlier albums. So this is savvy US power metal, with clear, wailing vocals, brought to you by the one and only James Rivera. The band consists of multiple US metal heavy weights, with a background from bands such as Helstar, Destiny's End, Heathen's Rage, Symphony X and Leatherwolf, to name a few. Blistering guitar-solos, sharp riffing and crunchy production creates the base here. Add pummeling bass, galloping drums and James' always superb vocal lines, and you have Distant Thunder. What more can a metal heart want? Well, what about a couple of stellar cover tracks? "Restless & Wild" is of course a cover of the classic Accept tune. And believe me, Distant Thunder rips through a phenomenal version of it. And what could be more natural than to cover a Helstar tune? "Run With The Pack" was already a favorite of mine, off of the 'Burning Star' album. And this revamped version is stellar too! But my absolute favorite song from 'Welcome The End' has to be "Lost In Time". This is just a perfect metal tune, starting off as a ballad, then working it's way towards a mid-paced metal frenzy, loaded with hooks and splendid guitar-work. And once again James is showing us why he is one of the most revered metal singer from the USA today. 'Welcome The End' might become an underrated favorite of mine, dismissed by the masses as a cop-out, or a money making ploy, trying to grab a quick buck off of a legendary metal band. And that is too bad, because this is a monster of a CD.

Killer tracks: I Welcome The End, Soulless Inventions, Lost In Time, Finding My Way, Run With The Pack

Frost - 'Raise The Fist Of Metal'

Mike LePond guest appearances:

Frost - 'Raise The Fist Of Metal'