Thunderbolt is a Norwegian heavy metal band that combines the classical influence of bands like Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Black Sabbath with a more modern, powerful sound like that of Bad Brains and Entombed.

History

After releasing their demo Bandits at 6 O’Clock in 2001, the band received multiple offers for a record contract and subsequently signed in Scandinavia with Face Front / WME (and Massacre Records outside of Scandinavia) for the release of their 2003 debut album Demons and Diamonds. The album received acclaim in Norwegian and international music press and was even appreciated by the mainstream Norwegian press — rare for a band in this genre.

Following the success of Demons and diamonds, the band played several gigs and festivals in Norway, Germany, and Scandinavia from 2003 through 2005.

Recording and mixing of the follow up album Love and Destruction was finished in the summer of 2005. However, due to matters in the hands of the record label it took quite a while to make administrative arrangements and bring this album to the public, It was finally released Friday 19. May 2006 and followed up by a Norwegian tour together with Paul Di’Anno (although prior to the release) as well as a major European tour supporting King Diamond (May-June 2006).

Current lineup

• Tony “Thunder” Johannessen — vocals
• Frank Johannessen — guitar
• Geir Marius Halleland — guitar
• Morten Eriksen — bass guitar
• Ole Kristian Loewberg— drums

Previous members

• Cato Syversrud — guitar
• Vegard Waske - drums

Discography

• (2001) Bandits at 6 O’Clock (demo)
• (2003) Demons and Diamonds (CD) — Face Front / Massacre Records
• (2006) Love and Destruction (CD) — Massacre Records

Reviews

• Demons and Diamonds: 5/6 in VG
• Demons and Diamonds: 5/6 in Dagbladet
• Demons and Diamonds: 5/6 in Scream Magazine

External links

• Official website