Thor | Rock The Universe | Cleopatra Records

 

Thor, the long-running Canadian heavy metal act fronted by bodybuilder-turned-metal-vocalist Jon Mikl Thor, has carved out an enduring niche in the world of theatrical heavy metal since the late 1970s. Known for blending classic metal bombast with elements of kitsch, gladiatorial stage shows, and comic book mythology, Thor became a cult figure with albums like "Keep The Dogs Away" (1977) and "Only The Strong" (1985) and a prolific string of releases in the 2000s and beyond. Despite lineup changes and passing trends, Jon Mikl Thor has remained the unwavering core of the project—an entertainer deeply committed to the mythology of metal and showmanship. In his fifth decade of musical activity, he continues to release new work with a frequency and enthusiasm that defy his legacy status, combining nostalgia with pure passion for loud, heroic rock.

"Rock The Universe" is a cover album that reframes a variety of classic and hard rock tracks through Thor’s heavy metal lens. It’s not a reinterpretation in the transformative sense—it’s more an amplification of each track’s existing rock DNA, buffed up with metallic guitars, louder production, and Thor’s commanding vocal presence.

The song selection spans decades and styles—from The Beatles’ “Back In The U.S.S.R.” to Deep Purple’s “Highway Star/Black Night” fusion and The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full Of Soul” to The Doors’ “Love Me Two Times.” While none of the choices are particularly obscure, they do reflect Thor’s appreciation for the core foundation of hard rock and proto-metal. The tracks are performed with consistency and a kind of reverence, but they also lean into theatrics. Whether it’s the swelling vocal refrains or the gritty riffs that replace the original arrangements’ more nuanced textures, the goal here is volume and bravado.

“Action” opens the album with a brash and enthusiastic take on Sweet’s glam classic, marking the most visually promoted moment of the project with a new concept video recalling Thor’s early TV appearances. That blend of muscle-bound nostalgia and high-octane metal tone sets the tone for what follows. “Mama Let Him Play” by Doucette is one of the more unexpected inclusions, delivered with mid-paced heaviness and a nod to classic Canadian rock history.

Instrumentation across the album favors clarity and directness over complexity. Guitars are dominant, bass is supportive, and drums are serviceable, all functioning as a backdrop to Thor’s voice, which still carries weight, even if time has slightly roughened its edges. His delivery often walks the line between spoken declarations and commanding chants rather than melodic versatility, but this fits the superhero persona he’s long maintained.

The mix maintains a consistent volume and EQ profile throughout, which keeps the album cohesive but also slightly flattens the dynamic range. There’s not much variation in tempo or tone, which occasionally makes the midsection blur together despite the changing source material.

The heavier takes on “Steamroller Blues” and “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” retain enough familiarity to honor their roots but gain a sharper edge that reflects Thor’s intent to “metal-ify” without entirely replacing the originals’ identities. “I’m Ready” and “Rock The Nation” follow a similar route, with straightforward riffing and energy over subtlety.

Despite being an album built entirely on covers, "Rock The Universe" does manage to reflect Thor’s identity. It’s not just the song choices but the way they’re delivered—with deliberate muscularity, a touch of tongue-in-cheek theatrics, and a loyalty to the spirit of vintage heavy metal.

Score: 6.3