"Thunder of the Gods" is a captivating journey into the avant-garde jazz universe of the legendary Sun Ra, released in 2017 by Sundazed Music and Modern Harmonic. This album is a treasure trove of previously unreleased tracks, recorded over 50 years ago during Sun Ra's Strange Strings period. The album's three tracks, "Calling Planet Earth - We'll Wait for You," "Moonshots Across the Sky," and "Thunder of the Gods," offer a unique blend of free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde elements, showcasing Sun Ra's innovative and boundary-pushing approach to music.
The album provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins of Sun Ra and his Arkestra, with the first track emerging from Ra's Universe In Blue tapes. The music is a testament to Sun Ra's philosophy of "a study in ignorance," where he and his band explored uncharted territories of sound and improvisation. The album's duration of 43 minutes is a perfect length to immerse oneself in the cosmic and otherworldly sounds that Sun Ra is renowned for.
"Thunder of the Gods" is not just an album; it's a historical artifact that sheds light on the evolution of jazz and the enduring influence of Sun Ra. The album's release on lightning yellow vinyl and clear vinyl editions adds to its collectible appeal. Whether you're a long-time fan of Sun Ra or a newcomer to his music, "Thunder of the Gods" is a must-listen that will expand your musical horizons and leave you in awe of Sun Ra's genius.