So old school Heavy Metal with touches of Power Metal are your thing, A SOUND OF THUNDER may be just what you are looking for.  This four piece, hailing from Washington D.C. seamlessly blends elements of old-school Heavy Metal with the stylings of Power Metal. With their follow up to the 2013's "Time's Arrow" these Americans have set a high water mark with "The Lesser Keys Of Solomon."  From the first listen you can truly hear the band is passionate about their product. The ultra-slick production on here is very easy on the ears and makes this album a pleasure to experience.

The album is set up wonderfully with the dark, yet atmospheric opening track entitled "Nexus of Realities."  This beautifully crafted intro pulls you in before slamming you with the next track "Udoroth." This track is one of my personal favorites, and bares similarities to the great SANCTUARY. Midway through the album tracks such as "Elijah, and Blood From The Mummy's Tomb" offer some variation within the music and vocals, turning toward a slightly darker Egyptian vibe with great harmonies on both vocals, and guitars alike.  The album seems to lose a little of the momentum which the first ¾ had going on but by no means is there a bad song to be found here.

With that being said A SOUND OF THUNDER are definitely a band to check out for you old school rockers. Especially if darker lyrics, coupled with well-structured Heavy Metal songs crafted by very competent musicians in the vein of bands such as "BLIND GUARDIAN, HAMMERFALL, and ACCEPT, are what you crave.  "The Lesser Keys Of Solomon" is a blast from the past stylistically but with the clear talents of the band, exquisite vocal delivery of Nina Osequeda, and great production this album somehow feels fresh in an often stale sounding genre.