Sergeant Thunderhoof
Title: The Ghost of Badon Hill
Release Date:15th November 2024
Label:Pale Wizard Records
Sergeant Thunderhoof’s deep dive into local history and Arthurian legend creates a rich and immersive listening experience. The combination of historical themes and raw emotion, along with the expertise of Josh Gallop and Tony Reed, adds a unique depth to this release, which follows on from the acclaimed album ‘This Sceptred Veil’.
The Ghost of Badon Hill is sublime and holds one's interest as soon as the needle hits the groove. I am so impressed by this conceptual work of art.
The album opens gently with "Badon" and the amazing and captivating vocals of Daniel Flitcroft.
It truly is an epic start to this release as Mark Sayer and Josh Gallop lay down some meaty riffs combined with the rhythm section of Jim Camp and Darren Ashman deliver the goods, this is one with the next track I just keep and keep returning.
“Blood Moon” is a song I relate to with its lyrics hitting home, its seven minutes of progressive heaven and delivers on all fronts a simply sublime number, the message is the idea of finding courage and hope amidst despair and knowing our actions echo through eternity, powerful stuff. So strong and musicianship intense the heavy bass and power-driven drums mixed with the exceptional guitarman ship make this a wonderful soundscape and my favorite track here.
The expressive vocals of Flitcroft drive home on “The Orb of Octavia” along with some great driven guitars from Camp and Ashman.
Things are ramped up big style with chugging guitars and a monstrous back beat “Salvation For The Soul” sways and twists and turns on a rollercoaster of emotions.
“Sentinel" reaches out and picks at your heartstrings. I just love the way this song flos and again the meaning is deep and heroic.
I ask the question why the hell isn't Sergeant Thunderhoof massive? This opus is one of the best Hard Rock releases this year!
Then we come to the finale.
"Beyond The Hill" an epic conclusion, with its length allowing for a full exploration of musical themes and emotions. A track that stretches beyond ten minutes can truly take the listener on a journey. Passion and intensity all the way through. A triumphant finish.
"The Ghost of Badon Hill" captures some serious magic. When an album grabs you from the first moment and keeps you coming back, you know it's something special. The ability to hold interest throughout is a testament to its quality and depth.
With music that draws you in like that, it's more than just listening—it's experiencing.
When I think of Somerset I remember camping below Glastonbury Tor, with its mystic aura and ancient history, is the perfect backdrop for an album like "The Ghost of Badon Hill." The album's spellbinding qualities, combined with the magic of the Tor.
Listening to such evocative music in a place steeped in legend would be quite a profound experience.
The idea of sitting up there, surrounded by the whispers of the past and the beauty of the present, would be so captivating.
Review:Seb Di Gatto Score:10/10
Reviewed:30/10/24
1. Badon
2. Blood Moon
3. The Orb of Octavia
4. Salvation for the Soul
5. Sentinel
6. Beyond the Hill.
SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF ARE:
⦁ Daniel Flitcroft - Vocals
⦁ Mark Sayer - Guitar
⦁ Josh Gallop - Guitar
⦁ Jim Camp - Bass
⦁ Darren Ashman - Drums
ONLINE:
⦁ Website: https://sergeantthunderhoof.bandcamp.com/album/this-sceptred-veil
⦁ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeantthunderhoof
⦁ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergeantthunderhoof/
LISTEN:
⦁ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tL8CDdDLV5vIidrprEqsu
⦁ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sergeant-thunderhoof/1045331761
⦁ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0163JKQ00/sergeant-thunderhoof
