🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Thunderbolt
Track 2: Satyriasis
Track 3: Cold
Track 4: Sever
Track 5: Vasilisa
Track 6: Eerie (live)
Track 7: Frozen Paradise (live)
🎸 Album Review:
Second To Sun, the Russian metal band known for their unique blend of blackened death metal and atmospheric elements, returns with their latest offering, ‘Thunderbolt’. This album, released in 2020, showcases the band’s evolution and further solidifies their position as one of the most innovative acts in the metal scene today.
‘Thunderbolt’ kicks off with the title track, setting the tone for the rest of the album with its relentless aggression and intricate guitar work. The band’s signature sound is immediately recognizable – a fusion of blistering riffs, atmospheric textures, and haunting melodies. The production on this album is top-notch, allowing each instrument to shine while creating a cohesive sonic landscape that immerses the listener in a dark and intense musical journey.
Thematically, ‘Thunderbolt’ delves into themes of power, chaos, and the raw energy that courses through the veins of the universe. The lyrics are often introspective and poetic, adding depth to the already dense musical compositions. Tracks like “Satyriasis” and “Sever” explore the darker aspects of human nature, while “Vasilisa” weaves a tale of folklore and mysticism, showcasing the band’s ability to create vivid and evocative storytelling through their music.
Standout tracks on the album include “Cold” and “Vasilisa”. “Cold” is a relentless onslaught of aggression, with pummeling drums and razor-sharp guitar riffs that cut through the mix like a knife. The atmospheric elements on this track add an eerie and haunting quality, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the song has ended. “Vasilisa”, on the other hand, showcases the band’s more melodic side, with soaring guitar leads and a dynamic song structure that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.
One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Thunderbolt’ is the inclusion of two live tracks, “Eerie” and “Frozen Paradise”. These live performances capture the raw energy and intensity of Second To Sun’s live shows, showcasing the band’s tight musicianship and powerful stage presence. The decision to include live tracks on the album adds an extra layer of authenticity and excitement, making ‘Thunderbolt’ feel like a truly immersive experience for the listener.
In comparison to the band’s previous albums, ‘Thunderbolt’ represents a natural progression in Second To Sun’s sound. While their earlier releases were more focused on sheer aggression and technical prowess, this album sees the band incorporating more atmospheric elements and melodic textures into their music. The result is a more dynamic and nuanced sound that pushes the boundaries of what blackened death metal can be.
Overall, ‘Thunderbolt’ is a tour de force of modern metal, showcasing Second To Sun at the height of their creative powers. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend brutality with beauty, aggression with melody, sets them apart from their peers and cements their status as one of the most exciting acts in the metal scene today. With this album, Second To Sun proves once again that they are not content to simply follow trends or adhere to genre conventions – they are here to push the boundaries of metal music and create something truly unique and unforgettable. ‘Thunderbolt’ is a thunderous statement of intent from a band that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.