ALBUM REVIEW: BODIES – Thornhill
Melbourne metalcore quartet THORNHILL have been on a considerable upward trajectory in recent years, sealing support slots with heavyweights such as POLARIS and SILENT PLANET along the way. 2022’s Heroine release initially proved to be quite divisive as they stepped away from the progressive stylings of 2019’s The Dark Pool but over the last couple of years listeners have warmed to their newer sound with an abundance of comparisons to DEFTONES. The eagerly awaited follow-up entitled BODIES is fresh out of the oven. Will they continue to build on their newfound aesthetic?
DIESEL is consumed by hefty grooves straight out of the gates. Cleverly utilised atmospherics meander around the arrangement whilst a continuous wave of riffs gushes through your ears. Revolver grabs that instilled intensity and runs with it. Punchy energetic tones flow copiously through its veins. Vibrant surges of melody provide an uplifting mood amongst the frenetic tempo. Silver Swarm is delightfully addictive. The twisting, turning rhythms deliver a rush of adrenaline that is impossible to overlook.
Only Ever You ebbs and flows in meticulous fashion. The silky, alluring vocal work is pure escapism. fall into the wind adopts a more relaxed demeanour, gracefully drifting into the crunchy grittiness of TONGUES. Another mesmeric chorus sequence soon follows. Without doubt, this needs to be inserted into their setlist post-haste. nerv is equally as emphatic, if you needed some inspiration for your gym playlist, you’re welcome but also be prepared to smash your personal bests and belt your lungs out when the chorus hits.
Obsession has no right to be this infectious. Undeniable hooks effortlessly seep into your bloodstream to the point that you’ll feel like you can move mountains. CRUSH switches the vibe once more, delving into engaging electronica and displaying that THORNHILL are just as impressive without relying on an arsenal of metal adjacent accompaniments. This mentality leaks into under the knife before the riffs make an impactful return. Prepare your neck for the midway point. For Now offers a moment of peaceful reflection with its subtle swathes of initial instrumentation before sporadically bursting into life with colourful melodies.
THORNHILL will inevitably gather more association to the aforementioned DEFTONES but the quality is there, so if anything it’s complimentary. BODIES is packed with a generous serving of vigour and vibrancy which is incredibly accessible and will undoubtedly tick all the boxes for listeners new and old. Another feather in the cap for one of modern metalcore’s hottest rising bands.
Rating: 8/10
BODIES is available now via UNFD.
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