ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records

Release: 16 February 2024

Line Up:

Thomas Jethro Verleye – Lead & rhythm guitars, bass, orchestral arrangements
Josey Hindrix – Lead & backing vocals
Wim Rotthier – Keyboards & piano
Guy Vercruysse – Backing vocals
Baruch Van Bellegem – Drums

Tracklist:

1. Rise
2. Storm Maker
3. Atomic Retribution
4. Black Diamond
5. Converging Parallel Worlds
6. Underworld
7. Throne of Thorns
8. Fire and Ice

Out of Belgium comes the new band THRONE OF THORNS, delivering a high-quality release on ROCK OF ANGELS RECORDS. The band was founded by guitarist and songwriter THOMAS JETHRO VERLEYE, who gathered vocalist JOSEY HINDRIX, keyboard player WIM WOTTHIER, backing vocalist/producer/mixer GUY VERCRUYSSE, and drummer BARUCH VAN BELLEGEM. Together, they recorded “Converging Parallel Worlds,” which, musically speaking, is melodic bombastic neo-classical progressive symphonic power metal in the style of KAMELOT, PAGAN’S MIND, STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN, FATES WARNING, AVANTASIA, etc.

It’s the genre that developed throughout the late ’80s and ’90s thanks to HELLOWEEN, PRETTY MAIDS, and prog metal bands like FATES WARNING and QUEENSRYCHE. Eventually, a ’90s European mainland scene developed, especially in Scandinavia and Italy. Fast forward to 2024, THRONE OF THORNS from Belgium delivers a wonderful album in the style of the aforementioned bands.

After the short intro, we head straight into the melodic prog/power metal genre with great songs like “Storm Maker” and “Atomic Retribution.” The sound/production is impressive, the guitar work is phenomenal (just listen to “Atomic Retribution,” for example), the lead vocals are really good (a bit like RONNIE ATKINS of PRETTY MAIDS), and every song is loaded with riffs, solos, hooks, and a catchy chorus. So, all combined, it gives me a good feeling when listening to this CD. I am safe to say that the album will find its way to the fans of the genre!

Written by: Gabor Kleinbloesem