Album Review: Sergeant Thunderhoof – This Sceptred Veil (Pale Wizard Records)

When the world turned upside down in March 2020, all of Sergeant Thunderhoof’s touring, writing and recording plans were thrown out of the window and the band were collectively forced to rethink their entire working relationship. At the tail end of 2020, they began collecting their ideas, riffs and rough recordings to begin work on the next album. The result was ‘This Sceptred Veil’, due for release on June 3rd, 2022.

Would this album exist as it does if it wasn’t for the trials and tribulations of the past few years? It’s becoming a repetitive question but one that is important as this is a darker Sergeant Thunderhoof. A Sergeant Thunderhoof that is familiar, the massive riffs, fuzz and melancholic melodies are ever present, but is focusing on a lot of introspection.

The result of all of this is an album that has an authenticity unlike anything the band has ever done before. This Sceptred Veil feels solid and real, compared to the dreamlike scenarios the band often create. Though be under no false illusions, the band are still completely capable of sending the mind to wistful and faraway places. It’s just that the haze is a little clearer now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pnkgtb2unQ

A mammoth undertaking that comes in at nearly 70 minutes, This Sceptred Veil has enough spectacular riffs to sustain the hungriest of fans all year long. It has enough groovy, body-shaking and head-banging moments to get the dead up and moving. It has enough dramatics and melodies to force focus on emotionally wrought feelings. Putting it simply, This Sceptred Veil is an album with a ton of depth.

All that being said, you don’t need a notebook and pen to enjoy it as Sergeant Thunderhoof are really, really good at making enjoyable heavy, groovy and fun head-bangers. Switch off for a bit, let the album compress you and be wowed or press play, let it wash over you and enjoy the classy, energetic and ear-pleasing quality. Either way, you’ll be wowed.

It’s hard to pick out individual tracks here as Sergeant Thunderhoof have crafted a slice of brilliance from beginning to end. To say this band were on a creative tear is an understatement. However, there are a couple that stand out just a little more than others. There’s the groove-monster that is Devil’s Daughter, the epic and riff-heavy Foreigner, the bluesy thickness of Woman Call, and the stunning, expansive pairing of Avon & Avalon Part I and Avon & Avalon Part II.

Pick your poison, it really doesn’t matter as each and every track delivers something fresh, interesting and exciting. While the circumstances surrounding the creation of this album were far from ideal, there is no denying the value of what came out of it.

Sergeant Thunderhoof – This Sceptred Veil Full Track Listing:

1. You’ve Stolen the Words
2. Devil’s Daughter
3. Absolute Blue
4. Foreigner
5. Woman Call
6. King Beyond the Gates
7. Show Don’t Tell
8. Avon & Avalon Part I
9. Avon & Avalon Part II

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