Woahwoahwoah. I discovered a new metal group. Stop and pay attention.

These guys are called Thaurorod. This album not only features the titular song, “Coast of Gold,” but also such gems as “The Commonwealth Lives,” “Cannibal Island,” and “24601.”

You might ask, 24601 as in Jean Valjean from Les Miserables, Victor Hugo’s massive social commentary on revolutionary France? And your answer would be of course. This is power metal; there are no rules besides “as extra as possible.”

Thaurorod reminds me a bit of Blazon Stone, which reminds me of Running Wild. To be more and less precise at the same time, Thaurorod reminds me of Blazon Stone in a way that does not remind me of Running Wild at all, even though their music definitely has a swashbuckling aftertaste. It’s an entertaining, full-bodied listen with plenty going on.

If you’re only going to listen to one song from this album, on the basis you’re iffy on metal or just iffy on power metal, I recommend “24601.” This song is a bit mild on the metal, but it chronicles Jean Valjean’s emotional journey through redemption perfectly. It’s also got another one of my guilty pleasures, which is choppy but still poignantly expressive English being belted with all the lead singer’s heart. And, of course, it’s ridiculously over the top.

Additionally, there’s a real neat video of the “Coast of Gold” album art being done in a timelapse. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and very interesting.

I mean, just look at that.

Anyway. One of the things I like best about power metal is the emotion crammed into every riff, and how uplifting it can be. If you could use a motivational boost right about now, power metal is the genre for you. Let Thaurorod brighten up your isolation a bit!

[kofi]