TORNADO - Amsterdamn, Hellsinki

Funnily enough, when I was asked to do a review for a European thrash metal band and happily accepted, I had no idea that it would be Tornado’s upcoming debut album, Amsterdamn, Hellsinki, over French label Listenable Records.

The reason for me having an “it’s a small world” moment when I started listening to the album, was that the rather charismatic singer Superstar Joey Severance and I have known each other for years and even though contact has somewhat ceased after my relocation to Australia, it is always good to see that him and his band mates of Tornado [formerly Nemesis Divina] have finally managed to get a multi-album deal and can thrash out to their hearts’ desire!

Opener ‘A Bold Statement’ sets the standard for the entire album: an energy-filled, loud, fast- paced collection of songs that will make every thrash metal fan take it for face-value. Michiel “Big Maaaan” Rutten’s guitar going up and down the scales in absolute breathtaking speed came through to sound so effortlessly, and I found my head in a soft nod and my foot tapping along right during the first few songs - and even though some people say that thrash just sounds the same over-and-over again, this cannot be said about Tornado.

Flowing right into the riff-bursting 12 song album, you cannot help but try and fight the urge to jump off the couch and do an air-guitar solo or two to the second track, 'Hate Worldwide'! Juhana "Starvin Marvin" Karlsson behind drums is setting a steady and violent pace which beckons you to go with the flow and just give yourself to the following few songs. The staggering energy that is presented is simply amazing; I haven’t heard a ‘new’ band this powerful in a long time. 

Promptly, it becomes very clear that guitarist Ben Varon and fellow shredder Michiel as lead, bind in with bassist Pekka Johansson flawlessly and manage to not only sound like they’re having plenty of fun, but also bring to light a complexity and technicality that is somewhat rare these days, with this kind of music! Singer Joey Severeance’s strong and clear vocals are belting out and assaulting your ear drums, and at times, giving the whole ambiance something of a punk feel.

Whereas I couldn’t hold still for a minute whilst listening to Amsterdamn, Hellsinki some of the songs did sound a little bit repetitive, which unfortunately, I have to mark down to vocals. Though Joey’s voice is steady and strong, the sheer intricate string work and the force of Juhana behind the drums makes them fade into the background, especially when the listener is attempting to slap the satisfied smirk off their own face [yes, you can quote me on that!].

Overall, this album is everything a thrash metal fan could possibly be looking for, and so much more! In charge of producing this album was no other than musician and producer extraordinaire Peter Tägtgren, who certainly made a mark on this piece as well. Not trying to follow the genre's clichés and somehow coming up with their very own take on a music style that has been copied by so many - and only in a good way by few.

Tornado’s debut album will definitely tickle the interest and fancy of a lot of people I know, and I am really hoping that these are only signs of things to come in the future for this US/ Finnish/ Dutch collaboration!

Amsterdamn, Hellsinki will be released in Europe on June 20th [August 16th release for N. America] through Listenable Records.

Album: Amsterdamn, Hellsinki

Release: June/August 2011

Track List:

1. A Bold Statement 
2. Hate Worldwide 
3. 3 of 8 
4. Massive Extinction Impact 
5. Eugenics 
6. Ignorance Is Thy Name 
7. Noora 
8. Blue 
9. Priesthood Pedophilia 
10. Diva 
11. Tunisia Uprising 
12. Rise Disciples, Rise