Film Review: “THOR: Love and Thunder”

 

  • THOR:  LOVE AND THUNDER
  • Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Christian Bale
  • Directed by:  Taika Waititi
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time:  1 hr 59 mins
  • Walt Disney Pictures

 

I love me some Taika Waititi!  The Oscar-winning filmmaker has a perfect touch when balancing drama and humor.  And that touch is on full display in “THOR: Love and Thunder.”

 

A man (an unrecognizable Bale) wanders in the desert, trying his best to protect his young daughter from the elements.  He comes across a beautiful, lush paradise only to realize that the god he has worshipped has no use for him.  Realizing he has been forsaken, he declares, “All gods must die!”

 

“THOR: Love and Thunder” reintroduces the audience to the “THOR” saga via the fine performers in the local theater in New Asgard.  We learn of his adventures as well as his heartaches, most notably Doctor Jane Foster (Portman), the one true love of Thor’s life.  As word of the “god butcher” spreads, Thor enlists King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) to help end the slaughter.  And, thanks to Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir – I finally know who to pronounce it – Jane joins them.  My comic book loving friends are going to hate me but, for lack of a better name, the hammer turns Jane into Lady Thor/She Thor (tho I believe she is just Thor in the comics).  The return of Mjölnir makes Thor (original Thor) happy., but it also causes some friction between Thor and his axe, Stormbreaker, one of the great comic touches in a very dramatic film.

 

As with all of the films in the MCU, the cast here is pitch-perfect.  Hemsworth and Portman have great chemistry, making their romance quite believable.  Christian Bale is tragic as a man whose faith – and life – has been shattered by the gods.  Supporting performances by Thompson, director Waititi and Russell Crowe are just as solid.  The visual effects are, of course, top notch, and the soundtrack cranks up the rock and roll!

 

A powerful and emotional rollercoaster, “THOR: Love and Thunder” is a must see this summer!

A Sound of Thunder Announces Details of New Album “It Was Metal”

A SOUND OF THUNDER will release its seventh studio album and companion graphic novel entitled It Was Metal on June 15, 2018. Recorded at Assembly Line Studios with producer Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez (Shinedown, Believer, Raven), the album features eleven new songs and features guest appearances by Mark Tornillo (Accept) and Tony Carey (Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Planet P Project). The stunning triple-gatefold album cover featuring band mascot Udoroth is provided by artist Dusan Markovic (Powerwolf, Death Dealer).

Opening track “Phantom Flight” features a duet between ASoT vocalist Nina Osegueda and Accept vocalist Mark Tornillo.

“Atlacatl” recants the legend of the titular Salvadorian folk hero and was recorded as a tribute to Osegueda’s father who hails from El Salvador.

“Obsidian & Gold (Desdinova Returns)” features a guest appearance by keyboard player Tony Carey, who in addition to a lenghty and succesful career as a solo artist and with Planet P Project, is best known among metal fans for playing on the seminal Rainbowalbums Rising and On Stage.

“Els Segadors (The Reapers)” is a reimagining of the Catalonian national anthem. It became a viral hit for the band in the aftermath of the fall 2017 Catalonian independence referendum, leading to ASoT’s first European tour.

“Tomyris” tells the true historical tale of the near Eastern warrior queen who defeated and killed Cyrus the Great of Persia in 530 BC.

“Fortress of the Future Race” is a sequel of sorts to the title track of the band’s third album Time’s Arrow.

The band launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for It Was Metal on Friday, September 22nd with a funding goal of $30,000. The campaign raised over $22,000 in the first 24 hours alone. The campaign ultimately raised $66,246, making it the most successful campaign by a metal band ever on Kickstarter. A SOUND OF THUNDER has become well known as a pioneer of crowd-funding, with over $166,000 raised by its fans to date across several campaigns, making it the most funded metal band ever on the Kickstarter platform.

After a successful collaboration with comics publisher Valiant Entertainment on the dark concept album Tales from the Deadside (based on Valiant’s Shadowman comics) in 2015, and the fan-club exclusive covers album Who Do You Think We Are? in 2016, A SOUND OF THUNDER returns to a faster, traditional metal style with It Was Metal.

Guitarist Josh Schwartz shares his thoughts on the album: “This album is fast, powerful, and catchy as hell.  In short, it’s heavy metal rocket fuel! We are confident it’s going to be a fan favorite. We delved into a darker, more atmospheric sound on the last couple of albums. We set out to do something different this time. The mission statement was to write fast, heavy, catchy songs that are fun to play and fun to listen to. I think we’ve accomplished that goal and then some. This is an album meant to be blasted in your car while you speed down the highway at 100mph singing along at the top of your lungs.”

According to vocalist Nina Osegueda, the album includes “some of the most fun, inspired, adrenaline inducing music we’ve ever written and I can’t wait to play it live.”

The It Was Metal graphic novel features original comic stories by top comic talent from Marvel ComicsDC Comics, and Valiant Entertainment. Original stories based on each song from the album take fans on an audio-visual journey that is greater than the sum of its parts. Tales of science fiction, horror, fantasy, and history combine with A SOUND OF THUNDER‘s unique brand of metal music for an unforgettable experience.

It Was Metal is available for pre-order now at all digital music outlets. CD, vinyl, and paperback book formats are available for exclusive pre-order at the band’s website, www.asoundofthunderband.com.

Tracklist:
1. Phantom Flight (featuring Mark Tornillo)
2. Lifebringer
3. Atlacatl
4. The Crossroads Deal
5. It Was Metal
6. Obsidian & Gold (Desdinova Returns) (featuring Tony Carey)
7. Second Lives
8. Els Segadors (The Reapers)
9. Tomyris
10. Charles II
11. Fortress of the Future Race

Total running time: 59 minutes

Vocals: Nina Osegueda
Guitars & Keyboards: Josh Schwartz
Bass & Keyboards: Jesse Keen
Drums & Percussion: Chris Haren

Produced by Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez
Recorded at Assembly Line Studios

Website: www.asoundofthunderband.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder
Twitter: @asotband
Instagram: @asotband

 

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Marvel and Disney Kingdoms Take You for a Ride with “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad”!

New York, NY—October 23rd, 2014— Coming in spring 2015, the world famous, thrill-packed Disney attraction – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – roars to life as an all-new Marvel and Disney Kingdoms comic book bursting with action, romance, mystery and adventure. The new series, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, continues the unique collaboration between Marvel Comics, Disney Kingdoms, and Walt Disney Imagineering. This five-issue series, created by rising star writer Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Woman, Avengers Arena), fan-favorite artist Tigh Walker (Avengers Undercover), invite readers all aboard an all-new adventure that reveals the never-before-told saga of how the gold mine in Big Thunder Mountain became the haunted legend it is today!

A mainstay of Disney Parks since 1979, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has entertained countless guests on this classic attraction in four Disney theme parks around the world. Now, Disney Kingdoms is proud to add ‘the wildest ride in the wilderness’ with an all-new tale of mystery and adventure set in the wild Frontier!

“Building on the momentum of the sold out Figment series, we are excited to embark upon what may be our wildest adventure yet,” says editor and Creative Director Bill Rosemann. “As one of the most famous Disney attractions, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is packed with a combustible combo of drama, humor, and thrills that will explode across the page and deliver all the action and surprises that the Disney Kingdoms imprint has quickly become known for.”

Series writer Dennis Hopeless continues, “Everybody knows Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as a rumbling, tumbling runaway train car attraction through an exploding gold mine. But it’s always been more than that. It’s a trip back in time to a Gold Rush town where daring men and women risked their lives in the daily battle between man and mountain. And let’s be honest, it’s the perfect setting for an adventure comic.”

Earthquakes! Floods! Dynamite-chewing goats! Can the denizens of Rainbow Ridge survive the clash between mankind’s greed and nature’s fury? And what is the protective power that dwells deep within the mysterious mountain? Surprises await you in the latest Disney Kingdoms saga coming in spring 2015.

BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD #1 (OF 5)
Written by DENNIS HOPLESS
Penciled by TIGH WALKER
Elements based on Big Thunder Mountain © Disney
32 PGS./All Ages …$3.99

About Disney Kingdoms:
Created as a collaboration between Marvel Comics and Walt Disney Imagineering’s designers, producers and creative directors, the Disney Kingdoms line is home to exciting new comic stories expanding upon already beloved lands, attractions, characters and worlds of Disney Parks and Resorts. Launching in 2014 with Seekers of the Weird, Disney Kingdoms showcases some of the best and brightest Marvel creators as they craft new adventures that can be enjoyed by Disney and Marvel fans of any age.

About Marvel Entertainment:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2014 MARVEL

3D Blu-ray Review “Thunder and The House of Magic”

Starring: Cinda Adams, Edward Asner, George Babbit, Murray Blue, Kathleen Browers, Joey Camen
Directors: Ben Stassen, Jeremie Degruson
Distributed: Shout! Factory
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Running Time: 85 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Thunder and The House of Magic” is the latest family movie from the directors Ben Stassen and Jeremie Degruson, who are behind other international films like “A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventure” and “Fly Me to the Moon”. This film has a fantastic original music by composer Ramin Djawadi (“Game of Thrones”) and also from pop-star Selena Gomez. The film is clever and the visuals are definitely easy on the eyes, though the story does deliver much magic. Kids would definitely dig it and parents should be able to stomach it.

Official Premise: Thunder, an abandoned young cat seeking shelter from a storm, stumbles into the strangest house imaginable, owned by an old magician and inhabited by a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos. Thunder must learn how to get along with the other animals living there. When the magician gets into a car accident, however, the pets must join forces against an evil nephew who tries to sell his house.

Shout! Factory delivered this film with a two-disc Blu-ray™ 3D Combo Pack (including a Blu-ray 3D and 2D, DVD and digital copy). The digital copy though is outdated since it is not through Ultraviolet. The 3D in the film is great and executed very well with otherwise impressive depth. The DTS-HD Master Audio track also works well with the film’s music.

This release is currently only available exclusively at Walmart stores everywhere. There are some special features included but nothing special. “Origins” is a look into the how the film was born. “Character Animation” looks into the style used to create these fluffy stars. “The Making of the Soundtrack” dives into the tunes for the film. Lastly there is a teaser and trailer included.

 

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CD Review: A Sound Of Thunder “The Lesser Key Of Solomon”

A Sound Of Thunder
“Lesser Key Of Solomon”
Number of Discs: 1
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Tracks: 10
Running Time: 61 minutes
Label: Mad Neptune Records

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I came across the heavy metal band A Sound of Thunder with their third album “Time’s Arrow”. From the moment, I started that album, I knew I was in love. Due to that, I was eagerly awaiting the release of their next album. Luckily, “The Lesser Key of Solomon” is easily their best work to date, though I have to admit, I wasn’t sold from the first listen. What I enjoyed about this album though and why I now love it, is how it grew on it. The more and more I listened this album, I felt like I was being slowly put under a spell. I listened to it for hours on end and it just gets better and better. I honestly thought it couldn’t get any better than “Time’s Arrow” and the band has once again proven me wrong. No question, my favorite album of the year to date!

“The Lesser Key Of Solomon” is not just a typical metal album though it can be summed up simply as a powerhouse. The tracks are catchy and extremely well-done. You can tell that these guys really love what they do because you can feel the blood and sweet ooze out of each track.  Leader singer Nina Osegueda really takes her talent to the next level with this new album. She is simply outstanding. The tracks are definitely some wicked heavy metal but I love that they are also mixed with a touch of power metal, classic rock, and progressive rock & metal as well. So you will find plenty of variety from the start to finish here. When you think you have figured out this album though, it turns a 180 and goes in a whole new direction and I really like that cause it keeps your ears at attention!

Compared to their last album, “Time’s Arrow”, this is definitely much more darker and most definitely heavier. I love the supernatural theme that is built around these tracks as well. Easily some of my favorite tracks are “Udoroth”, “Master of Pain” and “Elijah”. They are all very different and yet have this similar feeling to them like these could easily become instant classics.  I am not joking! Watch the video below for “Udoroth” and honestly tell me that you aren’t rocking out! Even though there are only ten tracks, this album adds up to a solid hour of music. The best way to listen to this I found is is definitely on repeat. I find that “The Lesser Key Of Solomon” really helps to move along a slow work day for sure. For if you are having a lagging day, kick this one and watch time fly!

If you are a member bands fan base known as the “Legion of Thunder” or just finding them for the first time, I recommend you kicking back and spread the word on this amazing piece of art. Also be sure to catch the band on the road this fall and support them since the fans are the reason why this album was completed. If it wasn’t for fans, I am sure the road to release would have been must more difficult for the band, thanks to a successful campaign on Kickstarter. I also just got word from Nina and guitarist Josh Schwartz  that the band is already in the studio working on new music for their next album. Yes! you heard right their next album! These guys are non-stop and I honestly can’t get enough. So keep rocking guys and I will look forward to catching a show this fall!

Track List:
Nexus Of Realities
Udoroth
Fortune Teller
The Boy Who Could Fly
Elijah
Master Of Pain
Blood From The Mummy’s Tomb
Black Secrets
One Empty Grave
House Of Bones

CD Review: A Sound of Thunder “Time’s Arrow”

A Sound of Thunder
“Time’s Arrow”
Mad Neptune Records
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Tracks: 11
Running Time: 65 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Holy shit! Those are the first words that came through my head when listening to this album. “Time’s Arrow” is A Sound of Thunder’s third full-length album.  I was a huge fan of 2012’s “Out of the Darkness” and this year’s “Queen of Hell EP” but this one really raised the bar again! The band in the last two years have quickly become one of my favorite metal bands in the business. There music is heavy, original and very well-written.  Each song is unique and yet still fits perfectly as a whole into the album.  If you haven’t heard of the band, this would be an perfect way to get introduce and I guarantee you will become an instant fan for life!

Guitarist and composer Josh Schwartz is absolutely insane on this album and really gives his all into each track. Frontwoman Nina Osegueda has never sounded better.  Between you and me, I am usually not a fan of female lead metal bands, don’t hate me, but goddamn from the first time I heard her voice on “Out of the Darkness”, I couldn’t stop listening.  On this album, she is fierce and really just nails it with song after song. What I like about this band as a whole is that they have range.  They definitely know how to bring the metal, get those devil horns ready, but on this album they also explore other genres with the classic rock-inspired “End of the Road” or the space-rock tribute “Reign of the Hawklords”.  These tracks just show how diverse this band is and how they are going to become one of the top bands in the business.

I have to say it is rare when you find an album that you literally love every song but this is definitely one of those albums.  Let me focus on the title track for a minute, “Time’s Arrow”.  This song is nearly 10 minutes long and it is easily one of the most epic tracks that I have heard in the recent years! It is heavy and also well-paced.  When you are listening to a 10 minute you expect the song to feel like a 10 minute song. That doesn’t happen with this track, you go off on this journey and it literally just drags you along like a cartoon character being dragged through mid-air by the smell of food. Sorry I watch a lot of cartoons. METAL! Anyway, this track really shows that this band packs a lot talent, since a 10 minute track is not easy to pull off. I can’t wait to see this performed live, it should be extremely epic!

Another aspect of this this album that I love is that “Time’s Arrow” is released by Mad Neptune Records, which is the band’s own record label that was just started for this release. This just shows that the music comes first for this band and they would rather not sell out to some big label and have their sound molded into “what the label thinks we want to here”.  This takes balls and the band sure down how a lot of that, sorry Nina – you still rule! Trust me, take out the 65 minutes and listen to “Time’s Arrow”.  It is one of those albums that when you hear it you will be unable to speak until there is a break in the track.  Yes it is that epic!

Track Listing:
1. Power Play
2. Time’s Arrow
3. I Will Not Break
4. Broken Bridge
5. Queen of Hell
6. Let’s Start A Fire
7. I’ll Walk With You
8. My Disease (featuring Blaze Bayley)
9. Wastelands
10. End Of The Road
11. Reign Of The Hawklords

DVD Review “Quentin Tarantino’s Rolling Thunder Pictures Triple Feature”

Actors: Evelyne Kraft, Alex Rocco, Hari Rhodes, Asher Brauner, Kitty Bruce
Directors: Ho Meng-hua, Arthur Marks, Jack Hill
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: April 16, 2013
Run Time: 287 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When Tarantino and Miramax started Rolling Thunder Pictures back in 1995, it was a label that was meant to release lost gems and fan favorites that haven’t seen the light of day in a long time, generally cult classics. This triple feature DVD release showcases Tarantino favorites from the label including “Detroit 9000 (1973)”, “The Mighty Peking Man (1977)” and “Switchblade Sisters (1975)”. These films are classic exploitation flicks and should be a must see for all fans of that genre. I really had a blast revisiting these titles and I am sure you will too, whether you are watching for the fifth time or the very first time!!

Like Tarantino himself, one of my first jobs was working at a mom and pop video store. It was one of my favorite jobs that I have ever had and I even met my wife working there. I remember when these films were re-released on VHS, that’s right VHS, under this label. I was responsible for ordering at the video store and I was sure to stock up on these three titles when they were re-released back then. This DVD is a nice way to own these three cult classics again and you really can’t describe it better than it is on the box “See the Action! Feel the Passion!” No-brainer for any fan of exploitation films.

“Detroit 9000” Official Premise: Jam-packed with nonstop action, sexy distractions and funky music, this hip crime story follows two Detroit cops, whose pursuit of a dangerous gang responsible for a high-society heist ignites a powder keg of corruption and violence!

“The Mighty Peking Man” Official Premise: Treat yourself to one of the funniest and campiest movies ever made: The Mighty Peking Man! After a colossal ape-like creature is captured in the jungle and brought to civilization – along with the scantily clad blonde bombshell he protects – the fearsome beast breaks loose and goes looking for giant-size payback!

“Switchblade Sisters” Official Premise: A riotously entertaining mix of sex, jealousy and massive firepower, Jack Hill’s Switchblade Sisters is the action-packed story of the toughest gang of teenage girls to ever hit the streets – the Dagger Debs. Bad to the bone, these outrageous high school vixens go where they want…and create mayhem wherever they go!

Even though I would have loved to see this triple feature released on Blu-ray instead of DVD.  The transfers are still good…or at least good enough since they still have that grindhouse gritty feel. All three of the film are presented in 16×9 Widescreen with various aspect ratios. “The Mighty Peking Man” is presented with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 with a Dolby Digital 2.0 track, which is the most impressive on the release. “Detroit 9000” is presented with an aspect ratio 1.78:1 with a Dolby Digital Mono track. Lastly, “Switchblade Sisters” is presented with an aspect ratio also with a Dolby Digital Mono track.  There are no additional special features included on this release besides the films themselves. Would have loved to seen some 42nd street style trailer included for these titles at least.

CD Review: A Sound of Thunder "Queen of Hell EP"

A Sound of Thunder
“Queen of Hell EP”
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Nightmare Records
Running Time: 22 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Last year A Sound of Thunder really delivered the goods with their breakout record “Out of the Darkness”. So I was already surprised to see new material so soon. Damn though, this is some sick shit!! This EP really comes jam-packed with 22 minutes of some really amazing music. Nina Osegueda really delivers some killer vocals and Josh Schwartz is fucking fierce on the guitar. This band is really taking over the metal world and I can’t wait see what they have planned for their forthcoming full-length album “Time’s Arrow”. This group never rests and maybe that is a good thing since I can’t seem to get enough of them…keep it coming guys!

Producer Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez worked with the band again after deliver the gem of an album “Out of the Darkness”. The new material works as a great companion to the last album. This EP has this really strong classic power metal feel to it. The title track “Queen of Hell” is just a wild rollercoaster ride from the moment it starts. The vocals and guitar work just are hardcore and in-your-face. If you like the track there is also a duet version featuring guest vocals by Veronica Freeman (Benedictum). If you are a Black Sabbath fan, then your will enjoy their great rendition of “Trashed”. Schwartz has said a lot of their influences is from Sabbath, so it is nice to see them pay the song some great homage. “Hello Nurse” is the most different and risky song for them but it pays off, as it is totally rocking! If you are a metal fan, there is no way in hell that this album won’t get you rocking out! Get those devil horns because you are going to need them!

If you have yet to give A Sound of Thunder a listen this is a perfect time to start.  The band is going to be playing live dates throughout the US in early 2013 to promote this new EP, with further extensive touring planned for later in 2013 to promote “Time’s Arrow”. So I cannot recommend this album any more. I found myself just listening to it over and over on loop and it just works so well.  Sometimes when I listen to albums I find myself skipping songs, but this one literally has been looping for over an hour during the writing of this review alone.  This band has done some much in such a short amount of time.  Imagine what they are going to have completed in another five years! Get ready cause this group is full steam ahead and they are giving metal music a run for its money!

Track Listing:
1: Queen of Hell (Album Version)
2: Queen of Hell (featuring Veronica Freeman)
3: Hello Nurse
4: Trashed (Black Sabbath cover)

CD & Vinyl editions can be ordered via the band’s official store

 

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CD Review: A Sound of Thunder “Out of the Darkness”

“Out of the Darkness”
A Sound of Thunder
Nightmare Records
Producer: Kevin “131” Gutierrez
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Out of the Darkness” is the latest release from the heavy metal group A Sound of Thunder. The Washington DC based band consists of Nina Osegueda- Vocals, Josh Schwartz- Guitar, Chris Haren- Drums and, Jesse Keen- Bass. The album is being released via Nightmare Records and features 10 brand new tracks produced by Kevin “131” Gutierrez (Shinedown).

The songs contained on A Sound of Thunders latest full length release could be described as a blend of 70’ and 80’s metal but with a modern twist. Vocalist Nina Osegueda takes an approach to singing that could rival the likes of Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford as she effortlessly belts out note after note. Tracks such as “Murderous Horde” showcase not only Osegueda but the entire band as a whole. A personal favorite of mine was “Out of the Darkness” with its double bass, screeching falsetto entrance is a track that just grabs you from the very start. From a production stand point the album seemed very streamlined which I think only adds to its appeal. Though the length of some of the songs may be too much for a casual listener fans of both new and classic metal will surely want to check out this album.

Track Listing:
1.) The Day I Die
2.) The Nightwitch
3.) Kill That Bitch
4.) Murderous Horde
5.) A Sound of Thunder
6.) Out of the Darkness
7.) Calat Alhambra
8.) Flight Until the End
9.) This Too Shall Pass
10.) Discovery