How do you celebrate a monumental 50-year milestone of metal mania? If you’re metal giant Thor, you release a new album that simultaneously looks forward and backward, celebrating the past and venturing into the uncharted future. Ride The Iron Horse puts Thor back in the saddle for another barnstorming metal album that marks 5 decades of metal dominance for the veteran musician. Alongside new compositions such as the rousing 5-0 Let’s Go, the defiant Shields Up and the poignant ballad No Time For Games are some unreleased gems from Thor’s early years in the late ‘70s through the ‘80s that complete the circle of this spectacular album. Buy the CD/Vinyl, here and pre-order/pre-save on the digital version, here.
To celebrate the forthcoming release, Thor releases the first single, the heavy title track, Ride The Iron Horse, that brings a hint of country music to the metal god’s electrifying repertoire. Featuring some stellar guitar work and production from cohort Kevin Stuart Swain, the single is a testament to Thor’s enduring legacy as both an artist and an inspirational figure for generations of metal musicians. Check out the single and the lyric video below.
Thor reflects on this new album saying “There’s a lot of life left in this Iron Horse. It seems the 50 years went by in a flash. From Keep The Dogs Away to Ride Of The Iron Horse, there have been the highest of highs and sometimes the lowest of lows. But I kept riding through it all. The greatest moments I have had were the incredible people I have met during my tours or correspondence online. The Thor Korr. They made it all worthwhile. For that, I thank you all. Keep riding the great white plaines.”
Ride Of The Iron Horse, the album, is set for full release on March 22nd and will be available on both CD and vinyl. In a nod to the vibrant visuals that have always accompanied Thor’s music, the album features original art design by internationally renowned comic book artist Timo Wuerz. With his dynamic illustrations, Wuerz captures the essence of Thor’s larger-than-life persona, bringing a visual dimension to the sonic onslaught.
Ride The Iron Horse track list:
1. Ride Of The Iron Horse
2. Lightning Rod feat. KHEMI$T
3. 5-0 Let’s Go
4. Peace By Piece
5. Unlock The Power
6. No Time For Games
7. Bring It On
8. Flight Of The Striker (Unreleased 1987)
9. Had It Been Another Day (Unreleased 1986)
10. Watch Your Back (Unreleased 2002)
11. Hit And Run (1979 Demo)
12. 100% (1979 Demo)
13. Shields Up
Bonus Tracks:
14. Thunder On The Mountain (Unreleased 1979)
15. To The Extreme (Unreleased 1999)
Tour Dates:
March 2 – Hi Dive – Denver, CO
March 4 – Aces High – Salt Lake City, UT
March 8 – Whisky A Go Go – Los Angeles, CA
March 15 – Hollywood Theater – Portland, OR
March 16 – Coffin Club – Portland, OR
April 12 – Modern Love – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
April 13 – The Starlight – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada