Thor — Unchained

“Unchained” is the second reissue of the classic and cheesy muscle bound metal by Thor on the Finnish label Ektro which is run by Jussi Lehtisalo (Circles Bass player). Thor are a Canadian heavy metal band who are fronted by ex body builder and former Mr. Canada and Mr. USA Jon Mikl Thor. “Unchained” originally appeared way back in 1983 as just an ep, but here it’s boosted to a full length with five extra tracks.

Just a few months back I praising and called “Only The Strong”(the third reissue by Ektro) my favourite Thor release, but know I have to say that “Unchained” is now my new favourite album by the band. And there’s two reasons for this- firstly each song here is head bang-able cheesy, great and memorable. And secondly many of the songs here have an extra layer of subtle yet effective keyboard playing and synth textures; which I cant recall on any of the bands other albums.

Mostly the album offers up fist punching and riff chugging 80’s metal sing alongs with that distinctive & cheesy Thor feel. Yet there also a few slower and more atmospheric moments here too like “Laser eyes” with it’s wavering rock ballad mixture of synth textures and melodic rock base,  or the synth bass meets slowly chug guitar and sci-fi synth laser effect laden instrumental that is “Death March”.

simply put “Unchained” is a great and classic slice of 80’s metal cheesy that I’d say is up there with some of the best metal albums produced in early 80’s. So if you dig memorable, masculine and subtle synth ribbed metal this is a must have.