Thornhill – Heroine
Release Date: 3rd June 2022
Label: UNFD
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Genre: Metalcore, Alt-Rock.
FFO: Deftones, Sleep Token, Loathe, Team Sleep, Deafheaven.
Review By: Ryan Payne
Melbourne quintet, Thornhill, have consistently pushed the limits with their music since their birth in 2015, and the new album “Heroine” is a testament to that. The band are heading for global domination with their new blend of alt-rock and metalcore on this record, and could easily see the band performing on stadium stages with these songs. Their previous and debut album “The Dark Pool” put the band on the map and saw them take on stages across the world, steal the stage with every song. The new album has taken a very mature approach from then while still keeping true to the Thornhill sound we are all accustomed too.
Vocalist Jacob Charlton and guitarist Ethan McCann have been the driving force behind this album, creating an epic score of music inspired by their favourite scenes from Hollywood films. Every song following a story and bringing out the inner showman of their frontman. This is what Jacob had to say about the writing process of the album and how the process inspired him to grow into a character we’ve never seen on the stage before:
“I realised you’re not just singing your lyrics, you’re emoting. You’re conveying a message or a feeling not only through vocals, but through performance,” he muses. “Ethan (McCann, guitar/production) really brought that vibe to the instrumentation, and I was left thinking, “Oh, I can’t just sing or scream over this…. what can I do to match that energy he’s presented here, but in a way that people haven’t heard it in a metal setting?” I realised I needed my own character. I needed to bring that Elvis-y confidence and emotion to my performance to really be able to bring people into the world of what I’m singing about.”
Diving into this album, and I’m already hooked from song one, filling me with a feeling of bewilderment and amazement that lasts throughout the record. “Heroine” is definitely a different sounding record to what we’re used to, taking heavy inspiration from bands like Muse and Smashing Pumpkins while still adding the metalcore element that got fans into this band in the first place. The screaming vocals are near absent from this record and in its place, Jacob delivers an outstanding vocal performance on every track, exploring his range throughout and taking the listener on an incredible journey. Musically, it has everything you could ask for: captivating verses that really bring the songs together, choruses made to be sung by the thousands, heavier sections that are complimented more by the sheer unexpectedness of them. The Hollywood vibe they’re going for on this album really shines and brings it to life in a whole new way, making the listener fall into a trance as they journey through this album from start to finish.
Honestly, this album is one of the most impressive pieces of music I’ve listened to in a while. As a fan of metalcore and alt-rock, “Heroine” is the perfect blend of both genres, delivering an album that can take Thornhill into new heights, and I am excited to see what the future holds for these guys. The band’s touring schedule is jam packed for the rest of the year, including a UK tour with Bury Tomorrow and August Burns Red in October, so don’t miss the opportunity to witness some of these songs live. June 3rd, “Heroine” is released and any dedicated advocate for alternative music will love this album. 
(5 / 5)
