ALBUM REVIEW: Pounder – Thunderforged

US Heavy Metal revivalists Pounder are back with their third album of sonic thunder! Out via Shadow Kingdom Records on October 25th.

Beefy guitars chords and kicks with a strong bass begin the call to arms as melodic leads soar through the mix. The building and chugging rhythmic battery soon begins its onslaught as Pounder launch into a lively and powerful Heavy Metal attack. Matt’s sharp and cutting vocals pierce the instruments, forging a strong and unique sound that instantly should tell you if this record is for you or not. Between the catchy choruses and wonderful solos, there is a strong sense of anthemic worshipping the old Heavy Metal gods with a passionate and fun delivery that is charming to hear. The core of the songs is quite stripped back, but the leads and vocals really make enough impact to ensure things feel powerful. Sometimes a more basic, primitive approach to centre around is strongest and I believe that to be the case for Pounder. I rather enjoy all of their outputs and this new record definitely seems to be off to a good start.

There is one thing about Pounder than I think will always draw listeners: they write a ridiculously catchy chorus. Each song is an ear-worm with a tasteful and warming sense of melody that’s a pleasure to listen to. While nothing particularly new or mind-blowing happens, you still find yourself reaching to turn up the volume and your neck beginning to move. Surely this is the exact intention of the band anyways, thus making them a success. There is some cool bass lines to give us some thunder, clever little fills and just enough attention to detail to give a bit more character to the otherwise ever-moving-forward approach of anthemic and stoic Heavy Metal worship. It is obvious the love for playing classic material was what birthed this project and that endearing fact just makes it a heartfelt pleasure to listen to. Get that denim and leather on, and be ready for a pounding.

If you want straight-forward, fist-pounding, head-banging Heavy Metal glory; then look no further. The new Pounder record is a triumphant and joyful offering of ripping material with incredible guitars and very singable choruses that will have you joining in very quickly. Their ripe ‘n’ ready approach to bare-bones brilliance is enchanting and simply likeable. So I can’t say this is the most experimental, cerebral experience? Who cares?! This is some solid rocking Heavy Metal that provides stud-clad good times for all. Admittedly some of the songwriting and lyrics can feel a bit lazy here and there and while I much prefer “Breaking The World” and “Uncivilised”, this is still a good album. Check it out!