Music Review: Thor, Metal Avenger

By Tim Murr

After about 40 years of head banging and pumping iron, THOR is having a kick ass 2015. With the re-release of the landmark Unchained EP and a hit documentary (review), THOR is topping the year off with a new album called Metal Avenger that’s chock full of guest stars from members of The Dead Boys, Twisted Sister, Kix, DOA, Motorhead, and Black Flag! That’s right, Henry Rollins shares mic duties with the mighty one on “Master of Revenge.”

No joke, this album is so damn fun. Sure it’s a bit cheesy in that 1980s metal way, but that’s one of the great things about it, too. Compared to Unchained, song to song, Metal Avenger is a better album than that classic, both in the consistency of song writing, to the production. Hell, Jon Mikl Thor’s voice is still in great shape too.

If you’re unfamiliar with THOR, Jon started out as a body builder before moving into music with 1976’s Keep The Dogs Away, but it was ‘84’s Unchained where THOR’S music, look, and stage antics really solidified. Later, THOR and his band released Only The Strong, which had the metal classic “Thunder On The Tundra.” Thor also appeared in a couple of movies, including a zombie flick co-starring Adam West called Zombie Nightmare, which got the MST3K treatment.

Metal Avenger will be available digitally and on CD, but audiophiles are going to want that blood red vinyl! And check out that sick, epic album cover. Also, Metal Avenger is apparently a concept album, with each song being a piece of THOR’s epic quest to overthrow the overlords of the planet Psykon and free their slaves! I mean, what more could you ask of a metal album?

You can see THOR playing live along with screenings of the documentary through the end of November.

Metal Avenger was released on October 30 from Cleopatra Records and is available on CD, vinyl, or digital formats.

Tour Dates:
Nov 10 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Nov 11 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
Nov 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go-Go
Nov 14 – San Antonio, TX – Phil Anselmo’s Housecore Horror Film Festival
Nov 16 – Chicago, IL – Reggie Rock Club
Nov 18 – Detroit, MI – Small’s Bar
Nov 20 – Philadelphia, PA – PhillyMOCA
Nov 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus Bar