Sergeant Thunderhoof – The Ghost Of Badon Hill

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · December 16, 2024

Segeant Thunderhoof is a heavy metal/ stoner doom band from the United Kingdom. Formed in 2013, the band has released 2014’s debut EP Zigurat, 2015’s Ride Of The Hoof, 2018’s Terra Solus, 2020’s Delicate Sound Of Thunderhoof, and 2022’s This Sceptred Veil. They also released 2016’s Live On Earth, 2020’s Turned To Stone, Chapter 2: Masamune & Muramasa / Split With Howling Giant, and various singles and compilations. Sergeant Thunderhoof consists of Mark Sayer on guitars, Josh Gallop on guitar and backing vocals, Darren Ashman on drums, Dan Flitcroft on lead vocals, and Jim Camp on bass. On November 15th 2024, the band released their latest album called The Ghost Of Badon Hill, on Pale Wizard Records.

Sergeant Thunderhoof is a band that slipped through the cracks for me in which I had never heard much of their music prior to their latest, The Ghost Of Badon Hill. However, just before the album came out, based on the buzz for the band, I listened to a little of their prior work in preparation for this one. Sergeant Thunderhoof is a very talented and concise band that draws their material from a lyrical perspective of fantasy based, local history, folklore, and alternative realities. In fact, The Ghost Of Badon Hill is a concept album as described from the band: “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.” The album contains six tracks and is forty five minutes long.

“Badon” begins with beautiful acoustic guitars and Dan Flitcroft’s incredible voice, enhanced with some snare marching drums in the background. Already, the mythical sounding music is present, especially when the kick drum pounds twice which signifies the full band to appear. I hear a strong classic metal sound in the guitars and delivery. The song remains slower paced with an incredible layering of music throughout. “Blood Moon” is next, and was the first single on the record. It’s a great song with its airy background sounds and the riffing crunch of the guitars setting the sound in full bloom. The drums and bass sound wonderful in the mix too and everything is well balanced, musically speaking. The musical dynamics can’t be mistaken and Sergeant Thunderhoof is a master of such. Flitcroft’s vocals are in full range on this track and what an amazing performance he delivers. “The Orb Of Octavia”, the third track on the album, is a masterpiece, in all of its glory. The song starts with guitar and Flitcroft’s voice which perfectly captures the tone of what the band are capable of delivering. This is a modern day rock master class of how wonderful and high quality music can sound in 2024. This band is the real deal!

“Salvation For The Soul” is a little more direct in its execution and is a heavy metal classic, right from the start. The riffing drives the song throughout and the pauses allow the vocals to soar far and wide. The backing vocals are a nice addition to the song also, coupled with excellent guitar leads which further enhance the rocking drive of the track. “Sentinel” shifts the music back into softer terrain with glorious melody and smooth vocals. Sergeant Thunderhoof then cranks a little distortion into the tune and the vocals adjust accordingly as the lead guitar executes an enticing solo. The song then returns to lighter grounds with a nice piano touch to end with. The final cut is called “Beyond The Hill”, an almost eleven minute symphony of classic metal grandeur. The guitar rock flourished harmonies and the high powered vocal prowess are in top form, once again.

The Ghost of Badon Hill is a huge sonic adventure that any progressive rock or classical musician can appreciate. The talent pool of the band and their conveyance of sounds is truly impressive throughout this whole album. Whatever style of music that they are classified under, Sergeant Thunderhoof is a band that is making a huge impact in the world of music, without any limitations whatsoever.