Thunderchild
Thunderchild is an old school 80's style Power Metal band from Arlington, Tx. The band originally formed under the moniker R.O.C.K. which means "Revolution Of Christian Knights". R.O.C.K. formed back in 1987 as a 4 peice act with Guitarist-Tony Larussa handling lead Vocals, Fred Garza on guitars, Ken Kelly on Bass, and Barry Zeller behind the kit. In 1992, five years after the band formed, Vocalist-Mike Foster joined the band taking the place of vocalist-Tony Larussa. Tony stepped down from the mic to focus on his love for the electric guitar as an additional shredder for the band. With the change to Mike Foster as the new vocalist, the band felt that it was also time to change the band's moniker and that's when 'Thunderchild' was born. Thunderchild had more of an epic feel to it and a stronger connection to the band's genre fitting the bill as a better Power Metal band name. In 1994, just two years later, the band would see another change to their lineup. This change came by way of Ken Kelly being replaced by Bassist-Brian Larussa.
"We're a Christian hard rock band devoted to sharing God's Grace thru our music.
We're Christ centered ministry minded & evangelistic.
All of the music of THUNDERCHILD was written to exalt and glorify our risen Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
He is the reason for our song and inspiration.
He is the Treasure of Life.
He is the Pearl of Great Price.
May our music lift Him above all things that he may draw all men unto Himself."
We're Christ centered ministry minded & evangelistic.
All of the music of THUNDERCHILD was written to exalt and glorify our risen Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
He is the reason for our song and inspiration.
He is the Treasure of Life.
He is the Pearl of Great Price.
May our music lift Him above all things that he may draw all men unto Himself."
In 1994 Thunderchild released their full-length debut album titled 'The King'. Upon having now listened to this release a number of times before writing this review, it's mind boggling how this band flew under the Metal radar and was not picked up on the metal detectors of the christian Metal realm. Maybe this was partly due to this being an independent release or perhaps it was due to the market being flooded with other Christian Rock and Metal acts like Stryper, Petra, Sacred Warrior, or Whitecross. However, upon listening to this release, one immediately notices and is taken back by the soaring vocals of frontman Mike Foster. At times, his high vocal range reminds of such vocalists as Steve Perry(Journey) or perhaps Deen Castronovo(Journey), and at other times he can even be compared to vocalist-Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior). Yes Vocalist-Mike Foster is a rare gem in my book able to capture the energy and spirit of the 80's with all the right hooks and vocal control to keep one coming back for more.
The guitar work of shredders - Fred Garza & Tony Larussa is in no way overshadowed by Mike Fosters vocals and are able to stand on there own. Garza and Larussa electrify each track with an lethal arsenal of guitar action. With everything from galloping guitar play to 80's style driving riffs to Speed to Power Metal to subtle Doom play to solos that will leave you beg'n for more.
The guitar work of shredders - Fred Garza & Tony Larussa is in no way overshadowed by Mike Fosters vocals and are able to stand on there own. Garza and Larussa electrify each track with an lethal arsenal of guitar action. With everything from galloping guitar play to 80's style driving riffs to Speed to Power Metal to subtle Doom play to solos that will leave you beg'n for more.
Lyrics are overtly Christ centered and full-on for the Lord
without coming across as sounding "preachy".
The band has included a few tracks that can be even be considered praise songs.
The following are some excerpts from some of the band's lyrics:
without coming across as sounding "preachy".
The band has included a few tracks that can be even be considered praise songs.
The following are some excerpts from some of the band's lyrics:
"THE ARTISAN"
I know you must be jokin, thats what I heard you say
the answer to my question, Is Christ the only way?
World peace and new age reason, at one with earth and sky
The vision of your life quest, I say it's all a lie...
"THE KING"
There's a hill down in Jerusalem, a hill they call the skull
they crucified a man one day, but He didn't break the law
He healed the sick, the lame, the poor,
He let them have it all, and much to there surprise
He's the one they'de been waiting for
(chorus)
He's the Messiah, the Living Son of God
He's the Messiah, open up your heart to The King
"WANT TO LOVE YOU"
Pilgrims on the road to progress, aliens passin through
Clinging to The One we've trusted, now eternal life's in view
I know that the Word of God is sure
The love that comes through nail scarred hands
Is what mankind is searching for
(back to chorus)
I know you must be jokin, thats what I heard you say
the answer to my question, Is Christ the only way?
World peace and new age reason, at one with earth and sky
The vision of your life quest, I say it's all a lie...
"THE KING"
There's a hill down in Jerusalem, a hill they call the skull
they crucified a man one day, but He didn't break the law
He healed the sick, the lame, the poor,
He let them have it all, and much to there surprise
He's the one they'de been waiting for
(chorus)
He's the Messiah, the Living Son of God
He's the Messiah, open up your heart to The King
"WANT TO LOVE YOU"
Pilgrims on the road to progress, aliens passin through
Clinging to The One we've trusted, now eternal life's in view
I know that the Word of God is sure
The love that comes through nail scarred hands
Is what mankind is searching for
(back to chorus)
'The King' doesn't disappoint and is an instant classic release that should be in every Metal head's collection especially those into "retro" 80's Metal along with those who like all things Power Metal. This release has been some what of a buried treasure for such a long time and now we can all enjoy this album just as the band originally intended. If you are into Bands like Recon, Sacred Warrior, Journey, or The Sacrificed then you are in for a huge treat here with this debut by Thunderchild 'The King'. So pick up your copy of this amazing release and lift high the Metal banner as we charge into battle to serve our King.
Purchases may be made at the following sites:
Musicians:
Mike Foster-Vocals
Fred Garza-Guitars/vocals
Tony Larussa-Guitars/vocals
Brian Larussa-Bass Guitar
Barry Zeller-Drums
Former Musicians:
Ken Kelly-Bassist
Mike Foster-Vocals
Fred Garza-Guitars/vocals
Tony Larussa-Guitars/vocals
Brian Larussa-Bass Guitar
Barry Zeller-Drums
Former Musicians:
Ken Kelly-Bassist