Into the Noise

There's a metal subgenre that bodybuilder-come-metalhead Thor has long specialized in, which has not seemed to catch on — muscle metal! And the recipe for "muscle metal" is simple — spend a lot of time at the gym pumping iron, and then put on theatrically heavy shows and albums/songs that,aside from crunchy riffs, are often largely forgettable (but sometimes fun, in a goofy way). In 2008, the almighty Thor had reunited with guitarist Steve Price — who was a member of the band for what is considered their strongest albums (1985's Only the Strong, etc.) — for Into the Noise. And, in addition to the expected headbangers ("Thor's Revenge," "Warrior's Reprise," the title track, etc.), there are a fare amount of mid-paced songs ("It Tomorrow Never Comes," "Back for More"), and a tune so "1980s sounding" that it would have fit perfectly on the Iron Eagle Motion Picture Soundtrack ("No Guts No Glory"). With '80s metal suddenly hip again, the manly Thor has picked the perfect time to flex his muscles and roar once more with Into the Noise.