VALIENT THORR
"Immortalizer"
(Volcom Entertainment; 2008)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
When I moved to California I found myself surrounded by
a sea of music. There are bands here that move across the hot desert and take
their music everywhere. Valient Thorr has a bit of history behind them.
According to legend, the band landed their spaceship on earth in 1957. I could
tell you more but finding out the whole story is your homework.
Producing the best in stoner rock is Valient Thorr. I love the CD cover: It's
got a bearded celestial being with a sickle raised while he is stroking a star
covered tiger. The songs that are held within were released when I pushed play.
The music is fast and the guitar just rips up the disc. I've been longing for
some gut-busting music for a while and this band is a locomotive on a collision
course with earth.
I will give you a little bit of history so you know what this band is about
(their earth history, mind you). Besides digging their hard rock claws into your
back with this monster-stomping disc -- their fourth to date -- they started in
2001 and have since played with some notable names including Andrew WK,
Motorhead, AFI, NOFX, Fu Manchu and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
They have fan chapters all across the United States and a couple across the pond
and I'm pretty sure that a beard and a hairy chest is required attire along with
a denim jean jacket sporting your chapter. To become a "Thorrior" check out
their website, listed below. Their lyrical content is quite a read. They believe
in spreading the "truth" and don't plan to leave a timid soul standing.
Their aggressive style reminds me of a political band that has something to say
and uses a gritty vocal to do so. The music is in your face from start to finish
and, if you want a little more to sharpen your ax on, check out their other
albums.
Valient Thorr: Valient Himself – lead vocals; Dr. Professor Nitewolf Strangees –
bass guitar, vocals; Lucian Thorr – drums, vocals; Eidan Thorr – lead guitar,
vocals; Voiden Thorr – lead guitar, vocals.
For more information, check out
http://www.valientthorr.com or
http://www.myspace.com/valientthorr.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
