ALBUM REVIEW: This Sceptred Veil – Sergeant Thunderhoof
Bath’s SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF have been steadily making a name for themselves across the West Country and wider UK with a string of high quality, critically acclaimed and enjoyable releases. Combining epic psychedelic atmospheres and thunderous stoner riffs, they’re a band who aren’t afraid to push you further out into the ether with aid of some magic mushrooms and a good dose of mystical spirituality. Now, the band explore the rich tapestry of history surrounding their West Country home, whilst incorporating the next chapter of the story of “The Sergeant” which they have been continuously cultivating since their inception. Whilst firmly in the world of “The Hoof”, this mythical time travelling figure comes face to face with the mystical history of the West Country whilst encountering the complex, life-changing thoughts and emotions that were brought in many of us during the pandemic.
This Sceptred Veil sees SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF venture into darker and denser territory than their previous releases, exploring the outer reaches of their sound with more intense emotions and atmospheres. Whilst still undoubtedly SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF in sound, there is a new mysticism and intrigue transcending through the band’s brooding grooves, lavish melodies and sturdy, low-end, fuzzing rhythms. Over the 68 minutes of epic riffing, you get to experience the band in a new light. With ample amounts of introspectiveness, pensiveness and melancholy living deep inside the atmospheric depths of the album, you can really feel the effects of the strong emotions and circumstances that influenced This Sceptred Veil’s writing process.
Outside of the realistic realms of the album, you can definitely feel the mysticism, myth and legend of the West Country that has seeped into every pore of This Sceptred Veil. Images of Glastonbury Tor come into view as the semi-factual stories of Avalon spring to mind. “The Sergeant” has definitely entered a realm where the shadows shift and nothing is quite what it seems. Being so deeply entwined in the band’s immediate environment’s myths and energy means that This Sceptred Veil is a deeply rich and marvellous tapestry of aural wizardry. It’s an album that once you press play, the world melts away, your mind becomes bewitched in its intense, hypnotic spell.
The album is packed with back-to-back monumental songs. Each have their own indelible charm but together they create a heroic tale through the bright, dark and shadowy. Opening the album with You’ve Stolen The Words, you can feel the tinge of cynicism and sadness that surrounds this album, but it ultimately remains hopeful. You also get the first solid dose of what the band have always been about, thunderous, hypnotic riffs that captivate and enthral. Devil’s Daughter keeps the energy raging, a solid slab of stoner rock with a continually fuzzing bluesy feel. Absolute Blue sees the more vulnerable side to the band begin to show. With a more psychedelic focus, Daniel Flitcroft’s melancholic melodies soar over thought provoking lead guitar passages. This is followed by the ten minute epic Foreigner, which carries some of the elements of Absolute Blue forward and combines them with heavy chord rhythms that have their own gravitational weight. This song moves through various sections of contrasting dynamics; the woody, earthy tones of an acoustic guitar adds a layer of rich tones as the reverb sweeps the vocal melodies to land unknown on the wind.
Woman Call sees the weighty bass grooves of Jim Camp take centre stage as its plodding rhythm locks you into a trance. King Beyond The Gates sounds like the theme song to the death of King Arthur at Avalon, powerful vocal melodies transport you into the rolling hills of Somerset in the turbulent days of yore. Avon & Avalon Parts I & II close the album with a splendour that cannot be matched elsewhere. SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF have without a doubt created a magnum opus across these two songs. The elegant flow, sombre delivery and both songs’ deeply reflective nature set to the backdrop of haunting psychedelics and anthemic doom passages is an experience that is akin to a spiritual enlightenment.
It would be fair to say that This Sceptred Veil has an indescribably pleasant and beguiling aura surrounding it. The sensation of stepping on hallowed, sacred ground never escapes you from the second you start listening to it, the album takes you mind, body and soul. Whether that is due to the nature of the emotions involved, the masterful storytelling or the environment the album was crafted in remains to be seen, but it is an exceedingly delightful listening experience from start to finish.
Rating: 10/10
This Sceptred Veil is set for release on June 3rd via Pale Wizard Records.
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