Thunder Horse – After the Fall
Release Date: 21st July 2023
Label: Ripple Music
Bandcamp
Genre: Doom, Psych, Heavy Metal.
FFO: Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd.
Review By: Paul Cairney
Texas based Doomsters, the epically named Thunder Horse are about to unleash their 3rd album, After the Fall via Ripple Music, and it is an absolute belter.
To be accurate, labelling Thunder Horse as a ‘doom’ band is wrong, these 4 guys straddle numerous genres, not allowing their sound to be pigeonholed, with their songs essentially sitting in whatever genre that suits. This gives After the Fall as sense of freedom, allowing songs to develop their own character as they inextricably embed themselves into your psyche.
The band have a lot of experience, in other bands as well as Thunder Horse, and with this being their 3rd release, they have grown into their sound. Their self-released debut hinted at their promise, 2nd album ‘The Chosen One’ built on this promise, but it is with their latest release that this promise has been fulfilled.
Full of hooky riffs and rhythms that just won’t let up, the 8 track album lasts around the 40-minute mark, but set yourself up to double that when you listen for the first time, as it is likely you will press repeat, (This review is cutting close to the deadline as I wanted just ‘one more listen’). Straight from the opening title track of the album, you will realise this isn’t standard doom. Bluesy riffs abound as vocalist Stephen Bishop rasps ‘After the Fall’. Understated keys enhance the opener, and the great thing is that this enjoyable track is not the best on the album!
There are a few stand-out tracks in fact, ‘Inner Demon’ will have the crowd singing ‘It’s time to get fucked up’ at gigs and ‘Aberdeen’ is a more akin to traditional Heavy Metal, allowing it to stand apart. Closing song, ‘Requiem’ is a great track to close the album, with its massive riff the dominant force.
Thunder Horse have released an album that nod’s gently in appreciation to the NWOBHM, shakes the hand of classic rock and gives a big bear hug to 70s doom. You will hear riffs that could be Sabbath, other riffs that rival early Iron Maiden, and moments that could sit on a Pink Floyd album.
After the Fall demands your attention and we over here in the UK demand a Thunder Horse tour.
(4.5 / 5)
