Audrey Horne
Title:Achilles
Label:Napalm Records
Release Date:4th September 2026
In the beginning, the sky cracked open not politely, not symbolically, but like a beer can torn apart by an Athenian god, and through that cosmic rupture marched Audrey Horne, five warriors armed with riffs, swagger, and the kind of melodic fire that could melt glaciers.
Toschie, the silver‑tongued herald. Ice Dale and Thomas Tofthagen, the twin‑guitar demigods whose harmonies could resurrect the dead. Espen Lien, the bass‑wielding trickster god. Kjetil Greve, the thunder‑drummer who keeps the heavens trembling.
Their new scripture? "Achilles," an album forged like a mythic blade, polished with mischief, and swung with absolute joy.
The title track doesn’t “open” the album; it charges out of the gate like a warhorse possessed. Ice Dale and Tofthagen duel atop a burning mountain while Toschie narrates the chaos like a prophet who’s seen too much and enjoyed every second. Kjetil’s drums crash like collapsing temples. It’s heroic, cinematic, and dripping with the kind of bravado only a band who KNOWS they’re on fire can deliver.
A melodic cyclone erupts as "In The Eye of the Hurricane" storms into the room. The guitars swirl like enchanted blades, the rhythm section stomps like giants dancing in the halls of Valhalla! Next up is a track with a delicious bite as "Vampires" struts into the room; it's a punchy, nocturnal rocker dripping with attitude. The guitars stalk, the rhythm section prowls, and Toschie sounds like he’s narrating a midnight chase through neon‑lit alleyways.
Now this song, omg! I haven't enjoyed a song so much in ages; on the first listen, I was hooked. "God Damn Beautiful" is an anthem! Totally grin‑inducing, hip‑shaking, beer‑raising anthem of the album. And the twist? Espen Lien steps up to lead vocals, and he absolutely owns it.
It’s groovy, Thin‑Lizzy‑kissed, and built around a bassline that struts like it knows it’s the hottest thing in the room. The whole band leans into the fun: twin guitars dancing, drums punching with swagger, and Espen delivering a vocal that’s equal parts charm and bite.
This track is pure Audrey Horne mischief. It’s impossible not to smile. Impossible not to move. Impossible not to hit repeat, which I do often daily!
After the previous track, a breather is in order as "Pretty Little Eyes" rocks up. A longer, moodier burner that lets the band stretch out. The guitars shimmer, the rhythm section simmers, and Toschie slips into storyteller mode, followed by "Prodome," A short, eerie interlude the calm before the next kick-ass head-down banger! Another favourite of mine on an album full of delicious rocking: "Insanity" is... err, "Insanity." High‑energy rock’n’roll with a Maiden‑esque narrative twist. Twin guitars blaze, the chorus sticks instantly, and the whole track feels like a runaway train driven by pure adrenaline. Dark, punchy, and catchy as hell. "Hell is Eternity" Sees the guys dig into their heavier instincts without losing their melodic shine. The stomping "Six feet in the ground" is a riff-heavy rocker with a grin. Fast, bright, and built for live shows, "Running through the night" I'm sure will be a hit live. This work of art comes to an end with "New Star Falling, " a gorgeous, melodic closer. The band softens the edges, opens the sky, and lets the emotional weight land. It’s reflective, warm, and the perfect ending to a sublime piece of art from these Norwegian monsters of rock!
Achilles isn’t an album; it’s a myth, a ritual, a hard‑rock saga carved in lightning and laughter.
And “God Damn Beautiful”? That’s the moment the heavens wink.
Review: Seb Di Gatto Score:10/10
Reviewed:14//08/2026
Track listing:
1. Achilles
2. In The Eye Of The Hurricane
3. Vampires
4. God Damn Beautiful
5. Pretty Little Lies
6. Prodrome
7. Insanity
8. Hell Is Eternity
9. Six Feet In The Ground
10. Running Through The Night
11. New Star Falling
Line-up
Toschie (v) Ice Dale (g) Thomas Tofthagen (g) Kjetil Greve (b) Espen Lien (d)
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