Norway's premier heavy metal act, Thunderbolt, have been around since the year 2000. Thunderbolt are not afraid to show their passion for classic Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, And that certainly appears in their powerful, heavy, pounding, yet melodic music. And they know there are millions of Heavy Metal fans around the world who share their love for good music.

DEMONS AND DIAMONDS (2002) FACEFRONT

Traditional heavy metal is what Thunderbolt is delivering. Think back to an era of twin guitars, powerhouse vocals and catchy choruses, and you will soon understand what this Norwegian band is all about. Carrying on with the legacy given to us by 80's bands, such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon and Accept, these guys are all about having fun, while playing their favorite music. After a nice, but little too long, intro, the band pummels on with some choice classic heavy metal. They sound very tight for a band that has only been around for 2 years. And since 'Demons And Diamonds' are their debut full-length album, it makes it even more impressive. I love the crunchy guitar sound, and the galloping rhythms. Vocalist Tony sounds like a cross between Messiah Marcolin (ex-Candlemass), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and Ski (ex-Deadly Blessing, Faith Factor), and that is saying a lot! The songs are very well written, and the album flows very nicely, with a balanced diversity. Most of this is mid-paced to fast epic heavy metal. But the band also gives the listener some slower parts, but no ballads. Again, this is just prime traditional heavy metal that so many more fans of the style needs to discover.

Killer tracks: Lidless Eye, The Great Walls Of Stone, Enforcer, Heartrazor, Haunted By Shadows

LOVE & DESTRUCTION (2006) MASSACRE

Repeat after me: "Norway's metal scene is so much more than Black Metal and church burnings!" But do the press ever care? Sadly no. And what a shame that is. Take this band for example. They play classic heavy metal, created in the same mold as vintage Iron Maiden, and they do a darned fine job at it too! But do they get as much attention or headlines as their infamous country men in panda make-up? No. Again, it's a world in a sad state we are living in. Thunderbolt have with their second release, 'Love & Destruction', created yet another solid classic Heavy Metal platter. The album is brim-filled with classy songs, with plenty of hook and melody. Think twin lead guitars and duels, choruses that stick to the brain and melodies you wish you had written yourself! Add to that a singer that reminds you quit a bit of one Bruce Dickinson, and you've got a winning combo. I know many will try to pin an Iron Maiden-clone tag on these Norwegians. But I think that is unfair. After all, there is a difference in being inspired by a band, wanting to create a certain sound, then to flat out copying them. I love the nostalgic feel this CD gives me. I also applaud that they have manage to recreate the production sound of that NWOBHM era without compromising with the overall sound and production of the album. It sounds clear, and it is no problem to hear the individual instruments. But it does not sound over-produced or sterile. I am playing the crap out of this album, and I am loving every second of it! Long live classic Heavy Metal!

Killer tracks: Heavy Meal Thunder, Bad Boys, Love & Destruction, Call Out The Lions, Sin, Sex & Spandex