It’s very easy to get caught up in our problems and tap out because it’s easier to give up than do the work. That sounds backward, but it’s true, and people who can pick themselves up off the mat, wipe the blood and spit from their mouth, and start over again are to be admired, their demons and issues be damned. Healing is real, and we should honor those who climb that mountain.

It would not be shocking if Royal Thunder no longer existed as an entity today. Based on the bio materials that accompany their incredible comeback record “Rebuilding the Mountain,” the band’s members—vocalist, bassist Mlny Parsonz,guitarist Josh Weaver, drummer Evan Diprima—fell victim to what has claimed so many others in their place, that being substance abuse issues. That’s a monster that has no mercy, that only finds ways to keep you captive, and it almost did that to these gifted musicians. Luckily for them, and us as listeners and fans, all three got clean, and much of what they faced is documented on this 10-track album. It’s no surprise then that the songs are brimming with life, the band sounding as channeled and passionate as ever, each track holding a gift or surprise that makes blood rush. It’s a triumphant statement for a band that could have given up, given in, and become another statistic. They didn’t let that happen, and all hails to them for their determination and strength, even if this record never happened. They exist, they thrive, and that’s what matters most. But we do have new music, and it’s a barnburner!

“Drag Me” begins the record on a mid-tempo note, though don’t mistake that for lacking power. That would be a huge mistake. “I sit high above the ether, will you ever forgive me?” Parsonz calls, the pain evident, as the guitars heat up and burn darkly, the power settling with organs vibrating, everything draining into a psychedelic dream. “The Knife” has a tempered start before really kicking in, Parsonz’s singing sounding as powerful as they ever have. “This blood bath is filling, and I promise myself I will do better, and I think it’s time,” Parsonz calls as guitars layer, and the impact is made and sinks in deeply.  “Now Here-Nowhere” is gritty and challenging, forceful vocals leaving bruising, the guitars glazing and welling in echo. The emotions are thick and powerful, everything spinning out into a vortex. “Twice” is both active and moody, Parsonz’s singing digging into your chest, the pace mostly lacerating but also breezy in spots. “I’ve been waiting a long time to help you win this fight, and I know that you will,” Parsonz wails with defiance, the playing basking in deep sunburn. “Pull” takes a different pace and slowly builds, the vocals wrenching. “It’s not impossible, I’m in control,” Parsonz wails, the final minutes hitting a murmur, the curtain dropping on this short, but effective cut.

“Live to Live” slowly emerges, and it’s moodier, letting the temperature rise along the way. Parsonz’s voice booms with power, sorrowful guitars add painful layers, and the volume begins to bubble dangerously before pulling back and letting your sore heart finally get some rest. “My Ten” quivers as the bass drives, and the playing is faster and more direct, leaving you gasping in the dust. “Open your eyes, are you feeling alright? You were calling from the other side,” Parsonz wails as the guitars aggravate fires, swirling out in a hypnotic echo. “Fade” has more of a ’90s rock feel, helping this sit apart from the pack. The guitars char as speedy energy ignites in chests, the nostalgic vibe eating into your brain as Parsonz calls, “I’ll keep the score from yesterday, this ain’t no dream, I’m wide awake,” as the track blasts out. “The King” is both moody and jolting, electricity racing through your veins with Parsonz adding to that by just opening her mouth. The guitars slink as the rhythmic elements pound away, everything flexing and tearing new wounds, the heartiness nourishing every one of your mental woes. Closer “Dead Star” is dark and absorbing, Parsonz wailing, “I run and try to keep your far away from my heart, a brilliant gem reflecting the fire’s flame.” The playing pushes and pulls the tempo, reclaiming the heat, adding punchier force, and everything is swallowed into the heart of the universe.

Royal Thunder sound like a band rejuvenated on “Rebuilding the Mountain,” a title that obviously wasn’t chosen at random. The pain and personal struggles that could have consumed the band’s members instead have turned their mission around and back on the right track. It’s great to hear these three artists so channeled and passionate, and this should be a building block to an even brighter future.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalThunderMusic

To buy the album (U.S.), go here: https://spinefarm.merchnow.com/collections/royal-thunder?fbclid=IwAR13F1c8ERlFdHr_y67C8R9tofBvNECArDf27pVV579UWIxLj-R8u1YIUGM

Or here (Europe): https://spinefarm.tmstor.es/?lf=c952d71320872fa0b05bae9adb9a479e&fbclid=IwAR13F1c8ERlFdHr_y67C8R9tofBvNECArDf27pVV579UWIxLj-R8u1YIUGM

For more on the label, go here: https://www.spinefarmrecords.com/