THOR: The Metal Avenger rocks the Universe
Before Chris Hemsworth and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there was another incarnation of the Norse God of Thunder who made us mortals swoon in admiration. The Canadian bodybuilding champion Jon Mikl Thor created first a more theatrical music show in 1973 that became quite successful. In 1977, THOR became a proper Heavy Metal band and has remained active ever since. Thor, the Legendary Rock Warrior and also actor, songwriter, screenwriter, historian, vocalist and musician, has maintained a steady pace over the decades, releasing music and performing live. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band, the cover album „Rock The Universe“ has just hit the market…
What was it like recording “Rock the Universe”, Thor?
It was an amazing and fun experience. I enjoyed going through the process. It was stimulating to decide on what songs to record. I wanted to record songs that inspired me in my career and that I would enjoy recording. I had a meeting with my guitarist Frank Soda, and we talked about all the wild times we had performed touring back in the 70s and 80s and the songs we played live with our theatrical show. Tunes that would drive the crowd wild while we performed a high octane brand of Rock n Roll on stage. So many great memories. These songs were the soundtrack of our life at the time. I brought in a top notch producer Kevin Stuart Swain, who was into the same vibe to make sure we would get the sound we wanted.
When did you become interested in playing music? Were you playing music from an early age?
I started playing music at the young age of seven. I played piano, accordion and flute. My parents wanted me to play polkas at family gatherings. When I saw the Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan in 1964, my life changed. My father kindly purchased a guitar for me and I formed a band called the Ticks based on the British invasion. The band became heavier as time went on and I became influenced by bands like The Doors, Iron Butterfly and Electric Prunes.
I left the Ticks and started a band named “Mann” which was more like Led Zeppelin meets King Crimson.
Are there any metal bands that have inspired you?
Absolutely. Deep Purple for one. We perform a medley of Highway Star and Black Night on the new album. Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Iron Butterfly are other metal influences.
When I was recording and touring in the 70s, the genre now known as heavy metal was just called “Rock”. The first time I saw in print a band labelled as ” heavy metal” was Grand Funk Railroad. The press were trying to zone in on what was heavy metal music. I was always inspired by heavy riffs. “Day Tripper” had a heavy riff. Was “Helter Skelter” the first real heavy metal song? Could be.
Are you interested in Norse Mythology? Does it inspire you to write music?
Yes, I am interested in mythology of all kinds. Whether it is Norse, Greek, Germanic, American and more.
Even though I am known as Thor, I am Thor the Rock Warrior, Thor the Metal Avenger. There are elements of Norse Mythology in my large catalogue of songs, but I am a unique songwriter and person. My version of Thor can go to many places. I am the “Thor of Perception”
The character I developed for “Only the Strong”, for example, was a warrior from Atlantis called Thor. Set in the year 2045. It was a concept album with a look into an apocalyptic future of the human race.
Tell us about the special edition of the new album from Cleopatra Records? How did this come together?
I am honored and privileged to be on a label such as Cleopatra Records. Their packaging is unparalleled. It’s amazing. Since I started with them over ten years ago, they have manufactured some of the greatest packaging in my career. With each album there have been multi colored vinyl, thick booklets of archival photos, comics, video dvd’s, rare artwork with the cd releases.
They manufactured a full movie “Return of the Thunderhawk” that was included in the “Hammer of Justice” CD booklet and more. It is a full on multi media experience for the listener and viewer. That being said, Cleopatra released a beautiful collectors special vinyl edition of “Rock the Universe” with a crystal blue colored vinyl.
What was it like playing in the mid-70s with your band Thor And The Imps? Will you be touring soon in support of the new release?
We would tour relentlessly in the mid seventies. Over 300 days of the year across North America. We had an amazing show and would pack the crowd in each night and work them into a frenzy. I was gigantic and the imps were small in stature. Like little hobbits. In addition to massive pyrotechnics and unbelievable strength feats, I would lift Frank Soda up with one hand while he played guitar and dance on stage and through the crowd. Costume changes, heavy makeup and other theatrics were part of the show.
We are currently looking at performing upcoming select spectacular shows and have already made some special guest appearances.
Currently we are filming a series of mind blowing videos that will be released in September, October and November of this year to support the release.
What are your upcoming projects?
I’m working on ideas for some new Thor albums. One is “Deep Cuts”. These are Thor songs that I felt were very strong but never got the attention they deserved. So it would be great to go into the archives and release an album of the best and rarest Thor. Another project would be a record where half the songs would be new originals and the other half would be cover tunes. Also there have been some movie offers that I am entertaining.
Cleopatra Records has been busy re-releasing your classics. Any favorite Thor albums in you catalogue?
Yes there is. Currently I am listening to “Rock the Universe” and enjoying the album while I drive my car. I have to be careful with hearing “Highway Star”, though, as it gives me the tendency to push the pedal to the metal.
“Metal Avenger”, ” Alliance” are others that I genuinely love rockin out to.
The band:
Thor Vocals
Ted Jedlicki Bass
Tom Croxton Drums
Matt McNallie Guitars
John Leibel Guitars (lead)
Text: John Wisniewski
Photos: Cleopatra Records THOR Facebook
