Thor Reviewed
Thor
Devastation Of Masculation
(Smog Veil)
Jon Miki Thor enjoys his name so much it completely envelops Devastation Of Masculation, right down to the thanks in the liner notes, which he calls “Thor Salutes The Warriors Of The Universe.”
The album itself is upright, straight-faced British metal in the vein of early Judas Priest. Where there’s room to gallop on his steed, he does (title track), and swinging his mighty Scandanavian sword through thunder and squealing, pinched harmonics (“Lies Of Eternity” — which will have you convinced Zakk Wylde recorded these guitar parts in ’91) carries the day and wins the battle of the gods. Unflinchingly knocking out tales “The Return Of Odin’s Son,” “Queen Of The Damned,” and “Release The Beast” as if they were handed down from the elders (huge Accept fans, them), Thor’s comeback trail will persist through the dawn (his fifth album in as many years). Andrew W.K. is a . . . well, what Ozzie Guillen called Jay Mariotti.
— Steve Forstneger
Appearing: September 7th at The Note in Chicago.
