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Sergeant Thunderhoof – The Ghost of Badon Hill Album Review

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Sergeant Thunderhoof – The Ghost of Badon Hill 

Pale Wizard Records 

Release date: 15/11/2024 

Running time: 45 minutes 

Review by: Alun Jones 

9.5/10 

Two years ago, the album “This Sceptred Veil” by Sergeant Thunderhoof made such an impression on me that it topped my end of year Top 10 for Ever Metal.  So this latest release has some pretty big boots to fill.  The pressure is on, for the band and also for your friendly scribe: I’m gonna need some new adjectives in my arsenal to do this work justice.  

A mellow guitar and whistle intro brings the listener into the world of “The Ghost of Badon Hill”.  First track ‘Badon’ opens with an almost Folky feel, and in true Thunderhoof style, takes it’s time to grow and breathe.  We’re nearly halfway through before the delicate, introspective section explodes into something epic, and the hairs on the back of your neck reach for the sky.   

‘Blood Moon’ tricks the listener with a melodic intro, before a truly classic mega-riff gets the heart pounding.  The guitars of Mark Sayer and new member Josh Gallup (who also recorded the album with the band) are multi textured throughout the album, expertly ranging from the mighty to the fragile.  A pseudo-Blues introduces ‘The Orb of Octavia’, before settling on a melancholy, gentle feel.  Augmented by Daniel Flitcroft’s soaring vocals (surely amongst the best in the UK), it’s not long before the heavy is unleashed. 

‘Salvation for the Soul’ is the most immediate and Stoner/Doom related of this collection, and it quickly became a personal favourite.  “For tonight, we ride!” – trust me, kids: THAT is a chorus!   

I’ve favourably compared Sergeant Thunderhoof to Soundgarden previously – which holds true with ‘Sentinel’ – and there’s also a strong Floydian feel here too.  The changes of pace on all the tracks ably demonstrate the expertise of the rhythm section, Jim Camp on bass and Darren Ashman on drums.  Both are confident and play with finesse.  All good things come to an end though, and our final song here, ‘Beyond the Hill’, is a ten-minute plus opus that builds through several stages on a monumental journey. 

One element of this recording that’s obvious from the start, is the length of the album.  The band made a conscious decision to lay down some boundaries and write a record that would fit on a single, rather than double, vinyl album.  Whereas I could lament the shorter running time, it does make sense to condense what the band do best.  And there’s still a cornucopia of sonic delights to enjoy regardless.  I mean, I haven’t even discussed the lyric content of the record yet!  There’s plenty enough folklore, legend and mystery to keep the audience engaged and coming back for more and more. 

“The Ghost of Badon Hill” is mission accomplished for Sergeant Thunderhoof.  A great new album, reigned in a little timewise, but sonically still delivering a cerebral and visceral punch.  Another Top 10 contender, no problem.  

Check out Sergeant Thunderhoof on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Black Tusk – The Way Forward Album Review

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Black Tusk – The Way Forward

Season of Mist

Release date: 26/04/2024

Running time: 35:54

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

Black Tusk return with their seventh album (no, I can’t believe it, either), which they’ve entitled “The Way Forward”. It’s their first as a four piece, with Andrew Fidler (guitar/vocals) and drummer James May now augmented by guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch.

The past few years have been tough for the band members, but their indestructible determination and formidable will has seen them stride onward regardless. It’s this perseverance that provides the album with its title and its unifying theme. Undeniably, the sludge metal sound is there as expected, but with additional guitar parts and a feeling of relentless tenacity.

Lead track ‘Out of Grasp’ and ‘Brushfire’ are both furious samples of big, dirty riffs played with furious conviction. It’s a fast paced set of aggressive yet entertaining energy – as a listener, I was dragged along with the band and could appreciate their steadfast refusal to let the ills of the world conquer them.

Many of the songs are around the three-minute mark, meaning we rarely get chance for a breather. ‘Breath of Life’ and the title track both have the opportunity to expand a little, though neither relinquishes their sheer intensity. The instrumental ‘Ocean of Obsidian’ is the slowest, trippiest number here, featuring a cavernous, cathedral-like sound.

So welcome back, Black Tusk. With “The Way Forward” they’ve dredged the swamp and pulled up a steaming, ruthless slab of metal that sounds unforgiving but positive. Absolutely bloody great!

For more Black Tusk, check out their website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp and Spotify.

This review is presented by Platinum Al and Ever Metal.

Witnere – Albion Aflame Album Review

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Witnere – Albion Aflame

Self-released

Release date: 11/02/2023

Running time: 39 minutes

Review by: Alun Jones

8.25/10

Witnere (their name is Olde English for tormentor: so far, so cool) are a British metal band comprised of Jason Taylor on drums and Declan Doyle on the guitar and bass.  Vocals are shared, and also aided with the assistance of their comrade Scott.  This is their second album, produced and released by the band themselves.   

“Albion Aflame” is rooted in a solid, defined concept: Britain in the Dark Ages, and the myth – or history, maybe – concerning King Arthur.  Immediately, this foundation elevates Witnere to a higher standing, with plenty to explore.  First track ‘410 AD’ is a folky number that captures the theme brilliantly, dropping the listener right into the frame. 

From there, it’s an album of magic, prophecy and bloody battles amidst a collection of powerful songs.  ‘Merlin’s Warning’ gallops off in an Iron Maiden style, relentless drums and guitars roaring.  Great melodic instrumental section, fiery lead – all top quality, with a riff you can hum (this is v important).  ‘Furor Saxonicus’ is a fast paced, face ripper – and again also very catchy.  You can head bang and chant along, waving your air sword at imaginary enemies.

‘King of the Britons’ features another agile, speedy riff that conjures the melodic approach of Thin Lizzy.  The rest of the songs follow in this style – without losing their appeal – until we reach the epic ‘Avalon’.  Our story is almost over: acoustic guitar intro gives way to a more sombre, though still awesome, finale that builds on quieter verses and rousing choruses.

There’s a lot to take in lyric wise (a lyric sheet would be great), but the vocals across the album – whoever they’re delivered by – are varied and confident. 

The production on this recording is extremely impressive: it’s crisp and clear, without sounding “nice”.  ‘Albion Aflame’ benefits from excellent musicianship and performances, too.  What’s most impressive, though, is the level of story telling detail that Witnere are able to create.  There’s a lot of care and passion gone into every element of this album, from the research to the execution.  ‘Albion Aflame’ surprised me with its professionalism and depth.  You don’t have to use sorcery to track this album down, but I suggest you waste no time in doing so.  

Check out Witnere on Facebook, Bandcamp and Spotify.

This review is presented by Platinum Al and Ever Metal.