THORNS - Song By Song

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Black Widow Angel

On first hearing I didn't think much of it, but it has grown on me a little over subsequent listens, but I still think it might be one of the weaker tracks on the album, we shall see! I think the vocal melody feels a little forced.

Yes, the bass solo is kinda cool!

[Charger]

Black Widow Angel continues with the heavier stronger side of the album.

The riff is excellent and there's quite a bit going on with the song, it's not just you're average heavy rocker tune.

Lyrically it is very strong as well and Tony's vocals are again top notch....but I do agree that the vocal melody might not be among his finest.

Still a fantastic track.

[Zzzptm]

BOOK OF SHADOWS

Spooky intro, could take us into cheesy if it goes too long.

Thankfully, Tony comes in and adds dimension to the track. The choir then blends in with the instruments and acts as a percussion instrument in punctuating beats during the verses, then shifts into a string section for the bridges. I like that versatility of the choir, it works to support the song throughout. Instrumentally, the story here is letting the keyboards shine, Tony Carey-style. It's a solid track even if it doesn't jump up and grab me as a standalone tune.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I must have missed the above post, I'll post my thoughts on it tomorrow (I'm a little drunk at the moment!)

[Zzzptm]

I must have missed the above post, I'll post my thoughts on it tomorrow (I'm a little drunk at the moment!)

Better than being a big drunk!

[Charger]

Oh darn! I seemed to also have forgotten about this...so lets carry on then!

Book Of Shadows

This was supposed to be the title track of the album but because Zakk Wylde already had an album called Book Of Shadows out and Iron Maiden put out Book Of Souls Tony opted to change the title to Thorns.
There is a certain Epic feel to the track fitting for a title track. The quiet choir intro leading into the song is rather brilliant. This isn't a fast song or a really heavy one but it does have a lot of depth and Tony's vocal melody is nothing short of suberb.
But not all is great though....as it needs more guitar...there is no real strong riff on the song and the guitar almost plays the part of a background instrument to the more orchestral sound.

The drums are great though and this certainly is a complex tune.

[Zzzptm]

Agree, more guitar could have made this stronger.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Book of Shadows

I was aware that the this was to have been the title track, but I hadn't heard the detailed reason for the change.

I like this one, it's atmopheric, gothic even! Musically restrained, I too had noticed the limited use of guitar, but I think that works in the songs favour, and the choral elements work well.

I'm not convinced the girl voices at the end help though!

[Zzzptm]

CRYING WOLF

This one is one of those mellower burners, very much something from Dio's playbook. The Latin rhythm and acoustic guitar give the song a unique feel with some deep-stirring moods. Tony's voice is the star on this track.

The guitar solo is a nod to Rainbow's mid-70s heyday with what sounds very much like a Fender with picked notes, like Blackmore used to do. Seriously, if this was snuck in on Rainbow Rising just after "Starstruck", it would fit right in. Great track, gave me goosebumps when it started.

[Charger]

CRYING WOLF

The first little dip in quality of songs. This is starts off with a soft acoustic guitar and leads into Tony's very good soft vocal melody.

But all in all this song just lacks punch. It's also bit overly simplistic musically during the verses...there's a nice little drum bit in the middle which gives a small promise that the song would pick up but it actually doesn't. However the guitar solo elevates the song. It is short but oh so sweet. There is a hint of Blackmore in there for sure...even more so evident on the outro solo.

Not quite up to par with the first 3 but it is still a good song...just could have been better.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

CRYING WOLF (4:26)

Not going to argue with Charger, it's not bad but it is far from the best song on the album. Perhaps it's not really my style of song, never been a fan of the latin rhythms!

[Zzzptm]

Interesting how we're hearing different things so far, but still hold that the album as a whole so far is also something we all enjoy. I like how Martin's delivery on the album is diverse enough to scratch more than one itch.

[Zzzptm]

DAMNED BY YOU

Metal opening, for sure.

Metal guitar - check
Metal bass - check
Metal drums - check
Violin player - hold on, what's that???

Seriously, that violin is a great touch. It's not cheesy or out of place, but flows in nice with the rest of the track. The guitar solo is sweet and the drumming on the bridge part is tasty. This song could *easily* have become a sad, soppy ballad or a 13-minute grind of an epic, but Martin keeps it tight and delivers a neat package of violin-flavoured metal. I love it.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

DAMNED BY YOU (4:06)

A good heavy song, it might be close to my favourite off the album. It's a catchy song, it also has possibly the best solo too. The violin actually adds to the overall feel, probably could do with a little more upfront fiddle.

[Charger]

DAMNED BY YOU

A great rocker with a very cool nice added Violin parts from Tony.

There's a strong The Cage vibe in this song both in the guitar and the vocal melody as well as the lyrics.

Nothing bad to say about this song. Most certainly among the best tracks on the album!