ALBUM REVIEW: Sergeant Thunderhoof - The Ghost of Badon Hill

Their name is probably known to you. A five-piece from Somerset, Sergeant Thunderhoof have been in existence for over a decade and have released four albums, the most recent 2022’s This Sceptred Veil. Unfairly badged by some as a stoner rock outfit, there is much more depth to this band than some fuzzed up riffage. The Ghost of Badon Hill is a concept album, with the band drawing deeply into their local history, mythology and folklore. 

Set in the 4th Century AD, The Ghost of Badon Hill is undoubtedly their most complete and compact release so far. Focusing on two sides of vinyl, Sergeant Thunderhoof realised that they needed to cut the length of their often-lengthy songs. Vocalist and lyricist Dan Flitcroft explains. "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”. 

That’s not to say that the band have churned out a set of three-minutes easy listeners. The opening track Badon is an expansive, progressively sprawling introduction, and at over six-minutes long is hardly short. It’s a gorgeous song, with Flitcroft’s clear, clean vocals soaring above the band, but the production is so good that each instrument is allowed room to breathe. Single Blood Moon follows, a thick-riffed track that amps up the heaviness and washes the listen with a cascade of powerful, driving metal that conjures up comparisons with the melodic elements of bands such as Mastodon. 

With the lyrical concepts drawn from the famous Battle of Badon, a battle between Britons and invading Anglo-Saxons and taking place on Badon Hill, the album is rich in detail and crafts imagery of a time when people did amazing things just to stay alive. If you aren’t familiar with Sergeant Thunderhoof, then Blood Moon is an ideal place to start, with its driving riff and tempo combined with Flitcroft’s warming and rich delivery give ample space to expand. Alongside Flitcroft, the dual guitar work of Mark Sayer and Josh Gallop is solidly supported by bassist Jim Camp and drummer Darren Ashman. Together, the band provide a delicious journey that winds and meanders through time. The Orb of Octavia drops the tempo but not the temperature, maintaining the heaviness through the sheer atmosphere created. It’s a semi-psychedelic trip, the whispering guitars wrapping their haunting tones across the top end whilst Flitcroft assumes the role of storyteller in fine style. You can easily lose yourself in the hallucinogenic environment that the band craft. Similarly, the rolling drive and infectious stomp of the Green Lung tinged Salvation for the Soul is uplifting and magnificently delivered. It’s impossible not to nod along to this track, vibrant and catchy, splendid in ever shape with a deliciously gloomy overture adding to the overall feel. 

Two tracks to go and one is already gearing up for another listen. This is before the melancholic drift of Sentinel arrives. A melodic masterpiece, it’s as progressive in feel as it is fuzzed up stoner doom, and it’s a beautiful track to lose oneself in. Crushing, glacial riffs balanced with more gentle passages make it a standout track on an album full of standout tracks. And then the final move. It’s a massive track, the finale of Beyond the Hill. Just shy of 11 minutes, it is the proof, if any were needed by now, that this album will feature in the end of year top ten lists. It is simply brilliant, a meandering heartfelt journey that flows organically and is instantly compelling. The Ghost of Badon Hill is stunning. A work of art that deserves every plaudit it will undoubtedly receive. Do yourself a favour and get a copy of this and immerse yourself into one of the best releases of 2024.

The Ghost of Badon Hill is released on 15th November via Pale Wizard Records

Review by Hutch