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Wow... Time really flies, and I thought I would have never seen this day. A new album from the Finnish Power Metal stalwarts, Thunderstone, in how many years... In 7 years! This also sees the return of the band's original vocalist, Pasi Rantanen (replacing Rick Altzi), who last sang on Thunderstone's fourth studio album, Evolution 4.0., in 2007.

Thunderstone's back, with their sixth studio album titled Apocalypse Again, breathing new enthusiasm, passion and freshness to make things happen for them again. Whether Pasi's return has made the band fire on all cylinders with this new stuff or not, it's obvious the band has found the needed spark for making some juicy and powerful Heavy/Power Metal anthems again.

Thunderstone seems to be strong and true kings at making nearly enviable power ballads ("The Path" and "Through the Pain"), as well as ruthlessly attacking, metallic numbers ("Veterans of the Apocalypse" and "Walk Away Free") on Apocalypse Again – not forgetting progressive-tinged and epic-sounding material either, as the album closer "Barren Land" proves it so loud and clear. This time it feels like many pieces have just clicked into the right places when talking about how energized and, simply said, amazingly fresh and determined the whole band sounds on this new album, ready to gain some ground once again after their long break.

I don't even feel like comparing Apocalypse Again to any previous Thunderstone releases, as this album stands strongly and proudly on both of its feet. It's got enough class and style. Apocalypse Again made me also realize how much I have missed Pasi's absolutely powerful vocal input in Thunderstone's sound. Honestly, he's got one of the best voices of the genre these days, and you know it if you have ever heard of his vocal work in all the bands he's been involved with over the years.

Apocalypse Again is a stellar Thunderstone album that simply screams to be liked. Good to see them going strong again.