Unknown Masterpieces, Part 4
Tools of Destruction (2005)
Thunderstone
Tools of Destruction is a masterpiece of power metal. It’s what all the lesser power metal albums want to be when they grow up. Aggressive, emotional, and held together by soaring melodies and tasty guitar riffs, this has everything metal fans celebrate.
First and foremost, the songwriting didn’t take a backseat to guitar histrionics, a crime power metal is often guilty of. “Welcome to the Real” may be my favorite song of all time, sporting a great atmosphere, a fantastic melody, and a laudable vocal by Pasi Rantanen. “Another Time” is the token ballad, mixing acoustic and electric guitar to great effect. And the keyboard-driven closer, “Land of Innocence,” is one of the most epic pieces of music I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing. These three tracks may be the high points on the record, but each of the other songs is in close contention for this honor.
Though it’s not strictly a concept album, Tools of Destruction’s lyrics have a certain cohesiveness. Each song describes some part of sin, addiction, remorse, despair and hope. Ultimately, the album comes off as being lyrically unified, though the order of the songs doesn’t seem to tell a clear story.
Everything about Tools of Destruction is well-done. Each of the five musicians gives a great performance, the songwriting is strong, the melodies are memorable, the production is excellent, and the lyrics are inspiring. “Land of Innocence,” the final track, sees each band member at his best, delivering a brilliantly bittersweet ending to the album. It’s the kind of thing that, after you’re done listening to it, you just kind of sit there silently for a few seconds and take a deep breath. It’s unbelievably refreshing.
Tags: Land of Innocence, metal, music, Pasi Rantanen, power metal, rock music, Thunderstone, Tools of Destruction, unknown masterpiece