Got my hands on the eagerly-anticipated CD from Thunderstick (a.k.a. Barry Graham Purkis). The legendary masked “drummer in a cage” from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal days when he was in an early formative Iron Maiden line-up before going on to fellow NWOBHM era Samson which is where he developed his alter-ego.
Now, after a decade or three, Barry’s back with a very fine new album – Something Wicked This Way Comes. Being fronted by a drummer (if that’s not a contradiction) as you may expect, the drumming is prominent – and rather excellent demonstrating what a talented drummer Thunderstick is.
But not too prominent as the rest of the band has ample room to show their talents. In particular that applies to vocalist Lucie V. She possesses a fine, big voice full of presence and power with a bit of a quirky/punky edge.
The ten songs are all enjoyable and all different in style. If you’re expecting a retrospective style NWOBHM rifferama, think again. Yes, this is very much a rock album though with plenty of variety and imagination in how the songs have been written and arranged. Highly competent.
Dark Night Black Night is a jaunty, fast-paced opener with a chunky chord structure and the twin guitars soloing in tandem during the lead break. Nice.
Don’t Touch I’ll Scream is a slower affair yet still packing plenty of punch. Go Sleep With the Enemy has a fun feel to it and it chugs along apace with Lucie spitting out the vocals yet melodic during the chorus. The song has a slight punk twist sounding not unlike Girlschool. Tasty. And very, very catchy.
Here’s the video. It’s not the best quality but the music shines through.
The Shining has something of an epic feel to it as it stretches out over seven minutes which pass quickly. Next up is Encumbrance – another fine rocker featuring more excellent vocals and a Hawkwind-like driving hypnotic, trippy middle.
The three closing tracks are probably the stand-outs on an album which a case can be made for any cut to be the “best”.
Blackwing is another seven-minuter switching in time and style throughout turning back to a strong chorus with the entire band in the spotlight.
Thunder Thunder is (arguably) the closest to a NWOBHMN-style cut. A speedy, jaunty riff, strong bass lines and monster drumming to boot allied to Lucie’s continually strong and melodic vocal delivery.
I Close My Eyes shuts things down with a brooding, moody slow-burner with the gently acoustic guitar giving way to a building of guitars and drums and some very fine fretwork during the solo spots.
So much to enjoy. The Thunderstick and his band have recorded an excellent album which your ears deserve to hear. Old farts like myself who remember him from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Samson days will enjoy it as should you. It’s a hard/heavy rock album with plenty to offer.
Bag your copy from the Thundersitck web store:
https://www.freewebstore.org/thunderstick-productions/product/wicked1
Please support us and buy us a coffee:
