Sergeant Thunderhoof
This Sceptred Veil
(Pale Wizard Records)
There is something ultimately satisfying when a band you’ve followed for a few years go on to release an offering that screams album of the year from hearing just the first few chords. ‘This Sceptred Veil’ was born and nurtured during that topsy turvy time in 2020 when all seemed a little bleak and uncertain. Recorded with Josh Gallop (Phoxjaw) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath and mastered by Tony Reed (Mos Generator) these nine perfect tracks sound genuinely majestic. It’s creatively dark, incredibly atmospheric, and full of doom ear candy melodies and mammoth riffs to keep you listening. It ebbs and flows beautifully and Dan Flitcroft’s vocals are soaring with confidence and a new freedom of experimentation that truly adds to the overall record that clocks in at just under 70 minutes. From the bluesy and infectious ‘Devils Daughter’ to the impressive ‘Absolute Blue’ which boasts some intricate guitar work, to ‘Woman Call’ that has sprinkles of psychedelia and groove to ‘Avon & Avalon Pt.1 and Part. 2’ that lead you on an exploration and discovery of the West Country and its mythical folklore there is a tasty music morsel to be enjoyed and devoured by everyone. It is also worth noting that Pale Wizard Records are championing some ridiculously talented bands on their roster so do keep an eye on the label.
https://www.facebook.com/sergeantthunderhoof
Review By Nickie Hobbs