Thunderbolt - The Burning Deed of Deceit

Polish black metallers Thunderbolt started out in 1993 by mainman Paimon and drummer Uldor. Uldor ended up doing a stint in prison for four years and lost interest in the black metal scene, thus leaving Paimon to carry on Thunderbolt on his own with session musicians. The cult black metallers released an e.p. (Black Clouds Over Dark Majesty) in 1997 and their debut full length, The Sons of the Darkness, in 2000. In 2002, Paimon (vocals, guitars, bass) recorded The Burning Deed of Deceit with drummer Mittloff and keyboardist Jacek Melnicki.

In many ways The Burning Deed of Deceit is a typical release for black metal label ISO666. It's raw, extreme and has simplistic black and white cover artwork. Also like the labels roster, Thunderbolt represent the two sides of ISO666. While Thunderbolt is not as good as the amazing Frostmoon Eclipse, they are an excellent black metal band. Most of the seven lengthy tracks here start off with blasting, chaotic and traditional black metal, but there are always moments of artistic brilliance as Thunderbolt show a slightly melodic, fascinating addition to their black metal style. Some have compared this to early Emperor, in some ways I can understand the lofty compliments, Paimon knows what he is doing and has created an album which has moments of greatness while never shedding their black metal roots.