ALBUM REVIEW: The Ghost of Badon Hill – Sergeant Thunderhoof
The year is 500 AD, it is a post-Roman world in the British Isles. The ancestral tribes of the Anglo-Saxons have been raiding and conquering swathes of land across what would become England. In the hills around Aquae Sulis (modern day Bath, Somerset), a coalition of Romano-British and Celtic Britons under the command of the once and future king, King Arthur, make a stand against the Germanic invaders…
This is the backdrop to the new album, The Ghost of Badon Hill, by Somerset’s finest SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF. “The Hoof” – as they are affectionally known – once again raid the treasure trove of local folklore in their area of the West Country to create another stunning album that transports you to a bygone age. Following on from 2022s critically acclaimed This Sceptred Veil would be no mean feat, it was a monolith album of vast proportions that beguiled you as it explored a plethora of emotions through the guise of mysticism and folklore. However, The Ghost of Badon Hill is another exceptional chapter SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF’s rich discography.
First and foremost, this is the band’s most focused and thoughtful release to date. Shorter than its predecessor SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF have cut the wheat from the chaff, cutting away any superfluous sections and refining the most impactful elements to create a significantly impactful record. Alongside this, is a strong and cohesive narrative tying it all together. The band also welcomed Josh Gallop – who also produced the album – on guitars into band, allowing the band to expand their sound and experiment with things that weren’t previously possible.
The inspiration for the album’s theme comes from Daniel Flitcroft (vocals), who when out walking with family discovered that Bath had been the site of a decisive battle between the native Britons and the Anglo-Saxon invaders. This sparked a narrative that would play over in his head until it came to life with the help of his bandmates in the form of The Ghost of Badon Hill. Steeped in Arthurian mysticism and legend, the album focuses on simple people living simple lives but forced to do extraordinary things in the face of danger. While in the context of a historical narrative, that’s something we all love but it also serves as a metaphor that in our daily lives we can do extraordinary things. For example, the album’s leading single Blood Moon bases itself around the “what we do in this life, echoes through eternity” concept, and tells of finding courage when all seems lost.
There is a tangible and mystical aura surrounding the album, much like its predecessor This Sceptred Veil. SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF effortlessly take you through the mists of time to an ancient time where life hung in the balance for the local populations of Britain. Yet, unlike This Sceptred Veil, it is much more hopeful. It is a rousing cry to battle, a sermon to not give up when all seems lost and an empowering story of how even the most unexpected person can make a big difference.
Badon is mystical and atmospheric acoustic introduction to the album, acting as a prophecy that sets the tone of the album, then halfway through the track when “The Hoof” unleash their awe inspiring riffs, pounding drums and signature heavy psych melodies as Flitcroft’s vocals soar above it all. This is followed by the aforementioned Blood Moon, and it is here that you can really hear the impact of Gallop on guitars alongside Mark Sayer. Supported by the indefatigable rhythm section of Jim Camp (bass) and Darren Ashman (drums), the whole song feels fuller and more layered, which gives an added oomph to SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF’s sound and this gets more awe inspiring as the album goes on. The Orb of Octavia finishes this half of the album with a swaggering, groove filled, almost-ballad that has one of the catchiest hooks you’ll hear all year.
Salvation of the Soul is another groove laden track that becomes and anthemic battle cry at the start of the army’s preparations for battle. You get a sense of urgency with this track, alongside The Orb of Octavia it also has some of the album’s catchiest vocal melodies, ear worms that stay with you long after the closing track. Sentinel slows it down, deeply atmospheric and haunting, it has that eve of battle feel that erupts into luscious guitar leads thunderous ringing chords. The album is rounded out with Beyond the Hill, a nearly eleven minute epic that focuses on the battle and its aftermath and how it effects the people involved. It is a moving track filled with melancholic reflections and anthemic choruses that remind you that even the most unlikely places can have an incredible place in history.
Just like the Brythonic victory at the battle of Badon, SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF have once again triumphed. The Ghost of Badon Hill is an incredible album that leaves you wanting more and to visit the site of the battle itself. The Somerset quintet just don’t miss.
Rating: 9/10
The Ghost of Badon Hill is set for release on 15th November via Pale Wizard Records.
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