Band/Artist: Hand of Fire
Release House: Rottweiler Records
Genre: Thrash
One Sentence Synopsis: The long anticipated debut release.
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: 11-17-17
Running Time: 32 min
MSRP: $12
Discount Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Sample/Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 4.5 Moons (Out of 5)
Hand of Fire was formed in 2010 by vocalist Jim Settle as just a project. After a variation of members the band finally started in 2015 consisting of Jim Settle (vocals), Tiago Souza (guitars), Tom Eaton (bass), and Bill Davies (drums). Their debut album, originally titled Let the Killings Begin, was set for release in December of 2016. After much delay and anticipation the album finally dropped with the new title Nuclear Sunrise.
Theme
The thrash is strong with this one, hitting you right in the face with the opening song “Let the Killings Begin.” The aggressive, rasping vocals with fast-paced power chords are in your face for a half hour. “The Prophecy” delves a little further into the band’s Christian faith, as they discuss the end of time in Biblical imagery. They do a good job of painting a terrifying picture in your mind. “Burn it Down” calls out ‘holy riders,’ the self-righteous and hypocrites, warning others to not fall for their propaganda. Despite being a band made up of Christians, they do a good job of showing the damage that religion does to people. The grinding, shredding, and impressive screaming ring throughout every song, leaving your ears ringing in the end.
Presentation
I am not thrash metal’s biggest fan, but you can definitely include me in the Hand of Fire fanbase! I was seriously thrown back by this release. Jim Settle’s vocals are amazing and they blend really well with the music. The Slayer influence is very strong throughout the album. The guitar melodies are all very enjoyable and are put together well, supplying heavy chords with some awesome shredding and solos, particularly in “The Prophecy.” I’d have to be crazy to not mention Bill Davies’ drumming. You talk about some impressive work on a drum set! This dude has some serious skill! I really enjoyed the lyrical content as well.
Hand of Fire
Gothic Fit
Covering broken hearts, shattered promised, and a hint of spirituality, the album offers a very poetic and aggressive insight into Biblical prophecy, individual worth, and self-destruction.
Closing Thoughts
Hand of Fire holds nothing back, causing a meltdown in your eardrums with the powerful, hard-hitting debut of Nuclear Sunrise!
Theme: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 2.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 4.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
