The country of Finland makes headlines regularly with their constant outpour of fantastic Black Metal acts such as SATANIC WARMASTER, HORNA, ABYSSION, and KALMANKANTAJA, just to name a few. So, it comes as somewhat a surprise that Finnish sextet THAUROROD is something quite different than the norm, as far as the music scene in general in Finland is concerned. With their newest full-length power storm, "Coast Of Gold", this band bursts into the Metal universe, giving listeners a sound both fresh and promising. With a sound echoing artists from all across the board, such as STYX, RUSH, HELLOWEEN, and OVERKILL, "Coast Of Gold" is an album that boasts a tremendous amount of talent, and is sure to be revered the world over as soon as it becomes recognized by the many.

The record opens with a track called "Power", which is triumphant, fast-paced, and very technical in its nature. The harmonized vocals present a nice layered texture over the whirlwind speed guitars. The drums display a machine-like precision as they pop and crash maniacally behind the Power Metal ensemble that refuses to let up. All at once, it is clear that THAUROROD is a band who thrives on pure musical perfection, and they show no fear when it comes to painting their true originality onto the canvas that Heavy Metal has laid out for the entire world to see.

Track two, "The Commonwealth Lives", opens with a dancing synth line, which is soon accompanied by the damaging percussion of drummer Joonas Pykala-aho. Not long after this raging intro to the song, all of THAUROROD join in on the party. The result is a phenomenal swathe of sound that just destroys from start to finish. Despite its insane speed and brutal drumming, the song holds onto form perfectly, its arpeggiated guitar lines swirling along with the rapidly played keys and bass line as if all instruments, including the vocals, were one.

"Coast Of Gold's" title track is a Power Metal inferno full of progressive chord changes, seething melodic vocals, and an intensity that could rival the emotion of a fierce Viking battle straight from the Dark Ages. The song just rages throughout, its every nuance laced with instrumental mastery. This is the point in the album where THAUROROD solidifies themselves into a monument of Metal and should be worshipped as such. Only once in a great while does a large band like this one come together to create a sound so awe-inspiring and talented, and when it happens, it's always something to behold.

Epic track after epic track, the album roars like a massive beast that has risen from deep within the planet's core to reclaim the world as its own. With its jaw-dropping guitar work, stabbing drums, and tremendous speed, "Coast Of Gold" becomes a swelling ocean of sound that engulfs everything surrounding it, forcing the listener to drown in its choppy waters willingly. There is not a dull millisecond on this album, and it does not relent in its quest to astound and amaze.

The record's closing number, "Halla", is a beautiful and mesmerizing Folky track that stands alongside the epic ballads of Metal past such as "Catch The Rainbow" by RAINBOW and "Dust In The Wind" by KANSAS with perfect stature. The closing guitar solo absolutely obliterates the soul, and the chorus has the potential to cause a spiritual awakening. In conclusion, THAUROROD's "Coast Of Gold" is a ten course auditory feast that I just didn't want to end. The entire album is overwhelming in its presence, and it is one that is sure to please the lovers of wonderful and original music making all over the world for a long time to come. This record is god-tier!