Tales from the Deadside (Music Inspired by Shadowman)

A Sound of Thunder is a heavy metal band from Washington DC. The band was founded in 2008. As influences the four around frontwoman Nina Osegueda call among others Iron Maiden, Dio or Hammerfall. This makes it clear what can be expected on the album. This is based on the Shadow Man comic books, tales of voodoo and ghosts…

“Children Of The Dark” starts with spherical sounds and a narrator’s voice before acoustic guitars and the at first quiet singing by Nina Osegueda join in. Later heavy riffs are added and Nina’s voice sounds really powerful. Oh man, what has the woman for a voice. In the second half, you can hear then a brilliant guitar solo. “Sandria (Carry On)” is then a bit quieter. The song is very melodic. Later the guitars join in powerfully with a great guitar solo. Rhythmic drumming is the entry in “Can not Go Back”. The instrumentation is withdrawn, the singing dominates. At the catchy chorus then the guitar becomes more powerful and goes over into a short solo. “Dead Side” is worn and calm, bluesy breathed on, with great riffs and brilliant guitar hooks. An awesome song. “Tower of Souls” first starts again with the narrator before the song accelerates. Quick played guitar rhythms, the drums drive forward. And the powerful vocals of Nina Osegueda. In the middle part you will hear a filigree played guitar solo.

The narrator at the beginning of “Losing Control (The Unquiet Shadow)” is backed by spherical sounding guitars and keyboards. Then first follow clean played guitars and quiet singing before beautiful hooks are starting. A little quieter yet powerful song. Towards the end there is a great guitar melody again. “Punk Mambo” really kicks-ass, the name is the concept. The punk attitude is clear to hear. Later, the somewhat calmer singing is backed by a jazzy saxophone. At the beginning of “Alyssa (Life in Shadows)” are acoustic guitars heard, even the powerful singing is then highlighted by some subtle plucked guitars. Only at the catchy chorus the guitars are banging. Piano sounds at the beginning of “Tremble” are followed by powerful guitars. A song with the Spirit of Ronny James Dio. The final song “End Times” rolls with heavy riffs ahead. In the middle the guitars get a wiggle on, brilliant guitar work.

About one hour varied Heavy Metal at its best offers this album. Excellent work of the instrumental department, but above all looms the vocal performance of singer Nina Osegueda. Each Heavy Metal fan should at least check it out!

Lineup:
Nina Osegueda – Vocals
Josh Schwartz – Guitar
Chris Haren – Drums
Jesse Keen – Bass

Label:  Mad Neptune Records
Out: 25.09.2015
Duration: 59:54

Tracklist:

• Children of the Dark 
• Sandria (Carry On) 
• Can’t Go Back 
• Deadside 
• Tower of Souls 
• Losing Control (The Unquiet Shadow) 
• Punk Mambo 
• Alyssa (Life in Shadows) 
• Tremble 
• End Times

Release date: 25-09-2015
Reviewer: Rainer Kerber
Score: 9