Stoner Rock five-piece Sergeant Thunderhoof return 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 comes its leading single ‘Blood Moon’ and its accompanying music video, out today, October 4th 2024.
The album can be pre-ordered here:
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ONLINE:
Website: https://sergeantthunderhoof.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeantthunderhoof
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergeantthunderhoof/
SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF ARE:
Daniel Flitcroft - Vocals
Mark Sayer - Guitar
Josh Gallop - Guitar
Jim Camp - Bass
Darren Ashman - Drums
LIVE:
November 22nd - Saltbox, Nottingham
November 23rd - Corporation, Sheffield
January 31st - Planet Desert Rock Weekend, Las Vegas
March 1st - Glastonbury Calling, Glastonbury
March 13th - Hard Rock Hell Festival, Yarmouth