Artist: Thunderbrew CD Title: “Red Death ” Reviewed by: Shane Chess Reviewed: 11/11/2003

Heavy Metal maniacs, have I got a treat for you! I've got a c.d. review for you from the band Thunderbrew. Thunderbrew consists of Daran Amos on vocals and guitars, Rick Land on guitars, Bob Beird on bass and Joe Panaccione on drums. Their songs “Mr. Greed,” “Mother Earth” and “Spare Change” have been in the top 20 on mp3.com. Thunderbrew were voted band of the year in Deleware in 2002 among several other awards they have received since 2000. But enough foreplay! Strap in, shut up and hang on for a review of one of the best bands I've heard in along time!

“One Early Grave”, Thunderbrew came out swinging on this heavy tune that starts out with a just the drum and the bass a jamming. Their guitars are heavy and the vocals are angry as well. At 2:02 the band breaks into a cool lead with a repeated note sequence that shows these guys know how to rock. Then at 2:42 another impressive lead shines that is more extensive than the previous one! This was a great song that left me wanting to hear more! Luckily there are 10 more tracks!

 “Spare Change” is one of the songs that made into the top 20 at mp3.com and I understand why! The rhythm is driving and you can hear the anger in Darin's voice and the band backs him up to bring the point across. Then at 2:03 the lead starts a little slow, but they make up for it at 2:23 when solo goes ballistic with the speed and emotion that will make you want to pick up your guitar and practice! I was expecting a lot out of this track and I wasn't disappointed. They gave me everything I wanted to hear and more!

 “Another Day” is one because it is directed to the bands on the radio that are playing trendy crap and trying to pass it off as good music! Darin makes no bones about how he feels! He just comes right out and tells you! No feelings spared. I like a band with balls. Anyways, at 1:53 they kill all vocals for a serious jam that lasts to the end of the song. There are no clear cut solos in this one, but I think they did that on purpose.

 “Mother Earth” is another song from the top 20 at mp3. Thunderbrew slam down another blasting intro that goes into a massive main riff. One major highlight in this song is the chorus sections.. They play something similar to double stops that really set it apart from the other parts of the song! Melody lines were used perfectly in this track and they really compliment the songs vibe. The closing solo is blazing also and is a continuation of the main solo!

 “Bitch” is short and sweet! The track tolls in at 2:47 , but Thunderbrew do more in this short amount of time than most bands can do in ten minutes! Darin's voice is really in tune with the music on this track. The solo starts at 1:47 and beats you over the head with mind numbing chops starting out fast and continues to hold you hostage with a flurry of notes until the solo is over! This is one of my personal favs.

“Down The Hatch” has a moody and somber intro, but you know that Thunderbrew is going to hit you with a monster riff on this instrumental track sooner or later. They do at the sound of a cold beer being cracked open! This song showcases their abilities as musicians. Thunderbrew has been tight through the whole c.d., but they take it to a new level on this one! The rhythms are enough to do you in, but they tear it up with wah-wah induced speedy solos that take turns slowing down and speeding up. This song has everything a instrumental fan would like! There are no weak links in this bands proformance.

“Mr. Greed” is yet another song that made it into the top 20 on mp3.com. To start this number off they use some cool fade-ins that proves they can successfully experiment with tones. The lyrics are deep and are relevant in this time when we see how corporations are taking advantage of the employees that give the job all they got. This song is moderately paced by Thunderbrews standards and really lets the vocals go wild. At 2:22 it's bombs away! The solo starts with a speedy riff that is executed perfectly and then is slowed down which really underlines the mood of the song! The outro solo continues with theme of the song and keeps the energy levels high.

 “Cry A Tear” is short tune that makes liberal use of artificial harmonics that are placed perfectly throughout the entire track. The main solos start at 1:46 and bend their way into your brain. Did I mention bends? Yes I did and there's a demon's share of em' to keep your ears bleeding. I also really like the palm muted, speedy runs they do in the solos, they added plenty of layering and texture to the mix.

“Holiday” deals with some aspects I think most musicians face! Should we do our music for a living? Should we change to fit into what other people think we should be? I think Thunderbrew answers with a definite NO! The rhythm guitar playing is real chunky and they uses a few effects that add a nice twist to atmosphere. The solo starts at 2:27 and is another fury of notes that stay at speed throughout this stellar track.

“Bad For Good” has an awesome rhythm vibe that has kind a flanger like effect that perks the old ears up commanding your full attention! I like the break down at 2:18 because it really sets up the anticipation for a solo which chimes in at 2:36 . It begins with some cool bending leading into speedy ideas then back again with even more bends followed by scary finger tapping! They threw the kitchen sink right out the window with this metal masterpiece. This song was tastefully written and they never wear out their welcome.

“Losers Always Win” is a great song that will have you head bangin' for sure. Thunderbrew snaps you to attention with a growling and a driving rhythm section. This song has a quick tempo and some of the heaviest playing on the c.d. I really enjoyed the section staring at 2:15 rules, its a simple part that sounds amazing. The drum work it super ballsy throughout. Joe Panaccione pounds out superior double bass. I have to say they know how to end a cd with a huge bang. Literally!

 In a day and age of bands where bands are afraid to step outside the box, its nice to see a band who is original, sticks to their guns and plays true Heavy Metal! These guys could really change the way music is listened to if they got a major label behind them!  Thunderbrew's "Red Death" is in regular rotation on my c.d. player and will stay that way for a long time! If you love Heavy Metal and buy this c.d. it will easily become a classic in your collection. You can purchase the c.d. from www.Thunderbrew.com and www.Thunderbrew.net.