Rock five-piece Sergeant Thunderhoof returned with the release of their fifth studio album ‘The Ghost of Badon Hill’ on November 15th 2024 via Pale Wizard Records, the follow up to 2022’s acclaimed album ‘This Sceptred Veil’.
Hailing from the historical area of Somerset Sergeant Thunderhoof have yet again delved deep into local history, mythology and folklore to deliver their most focussed album to date. ‘The Ghost of Badon Hill’ is a true conceptual piece, set in the 4th Century AD and positively charged with raw emotion and Arthurian mysticism. Recorded with Josh Gallop (who recently became an official member of the band) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath and mastered by Tony Reed (Mos Generator), their new LP sees the band exploring wider and more textured sonic landscapes, whilst conceptually delving into Somerset’s famous Battle of Badon.
Discussing the lyrical themes explored throughout the album vocalist and lyricist Dan Flitcroft says: “This new album feels to me like our most focussed and thoughtful release to date. In the past we’ve not had any limitations when it comes to song lengths and structures as we didn’t have a label calling the shots. But one thing that I knew was needed for this album was to set some boundaries. Foremost of which was the ability to get it onto two sides of vinyl, as opposed to us having to put most of our previous works onto double packages due to the sheer length of the songs.
“So, knowing that we only had 22 minutes or so per side to play with, it forced us to take the songs we had been jamming and sort the wheat from the chaff. Anything that felt unnecessary or superfluous was scrapped, with every moment on the record needing to justify its own place. I came across the theme for the album by sheer accident when out walking with my family. I had no idea that Bath was a possible location for a real-life battle between the Britons and invading Anglo Saxons, on what was known as Badon Hill. There are a few prominent hills in and around our city that have been suggested as possible locations, famously Peter Gabriel sang about Solsbury Hill many years ago, and that is such a special and romantic place to visit.
“I got lost down a rabbit hole of facts, speculation, mythology and fantasy. I very quickly focussed on a story of simple people leading simple lives, forced to do amazing things to protect themselves and their kind. Having this narrative ticking away in my brain whilst working on the songs with the band really helped shape the feel and emotional journey that the songs take you on. I couldn’t be prouder of this work and the fantastic contribution that all of the members of the band brought to the table”.
Ahead of the release of the album came its leading single ‘Blood Moon’ and its accompanying music video on October 4th 2024.
“Lyrically, the song Blood Moon is about finding courage and hope when all around is despair. Knowing that what we do in this life, echoes through eternity long after we’re all gone. The song came together very quickly as a result of a jam in our rehearsal space. It’s a much shorter and punchier song than is usual for our band which makes a refreshing change.” Says Flitcroft.
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Sergeant Thunderhoof formed in 2013 by sheer accident. Each member had previously worked together in other bands over the years and one night during a jam session, what transpired was a debut LP Zigurat which took everyone, the band included, by surprise. They quickly hit upon a sound which incorporated their love of dark, brooding and soulful grooves, super rich melodies and thick, fuzzy low end rhythm sections.
The band, and their output, rapidly picked up steam, performing alongside the likes of Elder, Valley of the Sun, Mos Generator, Siguriya, Karma to Burn, Kamchatka, Desert Storm and King Buffalo, building a loyal and growing listener base along the way.
Sergeant Thunderhoof have amassed a rich and varied back catalogue including four studio albums, a live full length, an epic split LP with Howling Giant, numerous compilation appearances for the likes of Ripple Music and Magnetic Eye Records and even a surprise tribute to Kate Bush.
It was in 2022 that Sergeant Thunderhoof properly realised their potential with the release of ‘This Sceptred Veil’, a colossal double LP which paid sweet homage to their Somerset roots. The album achieved universal acclaim across the industry, including glowing reviews in the likes of Metal Hammer alongside achieving the title of third top spot in Doom Charts’ Albums of the Year. This led to the band being offered appearances at numerous festivals including ArcTanGent and DesertFest London.
What makes This Sceptred Veil’s achievements all the more impressive is how Sergeant Thunderhoof have done everything themselves in their own studio, self-funded through their own label.
