Back in the early 1980’s when Glam Metal ruled MTV and the airwaves, there was a new scene taking place in San Francisco area with bands like Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Death Angel, and Exodus. The genre was called Bay Area thrash metal and it hit the metal world like a ton of bricks. These bands got signed to major labels and most went on to have huge success. Like anything else when record labels get involved, the sound got watered down to appeal to a broader audience and the scene died giving way to the grunge movement of the early 90’s.

   Fast forward thirty years later and a new breed of American thrash metal influenced by the 80’s Bay Area thrash scene has emerged featuring bands such as Bonded By Blood, Lazarus A.D., Warbringer, and Evile. Well you can add another band to the top of that list, Tornado, who has just released their debut album, Amsterdamn, Hellsinki this past summer. But Tornado is no mere clone of the 80’s thrash band movement, they add a hint of Pro Wrestling theatrics, glam, sleaze rock, and originality that the aforementioned “new school” thrash bands lack.

   From the opening riff of “Tunisia Uprising” to the Pantera-like swagger of “Eugenics” to the politically charged “Hate Worldwide”, you will be transported back in time when Metal was fun and full of energy and rebellion. Superstar Joey Severance’s clear vocals bring to mind comparisions to Mark Osegueda of Death Angel or Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies combined with the charisma of his namesake “Superstar” Billy Graham or the Nature Boy” Ric Flair. The guitar duo of Michiel "Big Maaaan"Rutten and Daddy B are a force to be reckoned with, churning out brutal chugging riff after riff.  Juhana "Starvin Marvin" Karlsson’s drumwork on tracks like “Massive Extinction Impact” would make Dave Lombardo or Vinnie Paul proud. Lead vocalist Severance’s love for the ladies and the 80’s sleaze rock of Motley Crue and L.A. Guns comes shining through on “Diva” with some truly humorous lyrics. On “Priesthood Pedophilia”, Tornado takes on a sensitive subject with a tongue in cheek approach. Tornado has created the perfect good time party thrash metal album. If you love 80’s Thrash metal you will enjoy the Hell out of Amsterdamn, Hellsinki!

Rating: 10!