Sergeant Thunderhoof – The Ghost of Badon Hill [Things You Might Have Missed 2024]

Back in 2022, a sneaky filter piece alerted me to the existence of UK progressive, psych-drenched stoner rock/metal band Sergeant Thunderhoof and their wonderfully written fourth album, This Sceptred Veil. It nabbed a well-deserved spot on my year-end list, remaining in solid rotation since its release. November 2024 saw Sergeant Thunderhoof return with their highly anticipated follow-up to that game-changing album. Dropping midway through the month, conceptual album The Ghost of Badon Hill took a few listens to sink its teeth in. Meanwhile, as the year rapidly drew to its conclusion, it didn’t quite garner the level of attention it inevitably deserved to properly consider for list season. With their signature style and inventive songwriting on full display, Sergeant Thunderhoof delivered a finely crafted offering and differing beast to its immediate predecessor.

Despite its epic, slightly bloated length, This Spectred Veil was a more immediate, punchy album, featuring epic progressive compositions and a swaggering, hard-rocking immediacy, particularly on such boisterous, rollicking numbers as “Devil’s Daughter,” “Woman Call,” and “Show Don’t Tell.” In comparison, The Ghost of Badon Hill is a more subdued, measured affair, exemplified by brooding, slow-burning opening cut “Badon,” a haunting, acoustic heavy offering that builds satisfyingly to a sludgy, psych-doom-addled climax. It’s the kind of tune that takes a handful of listens to fully appreciate, rewarding repeat listens. “Blood Moon” contains a similar vibe to the straightforward rocking material from This Spectred Veil. Groovy, punchy riffs, emotive leads, and a typically gritty, yet soulful singing performance from immensely talented frontman Dan Flitcroft defines another well-crafted, hooky rocker in the Thunderhoof repertoire. “Salvation for the Soul” demonstrates their bread-and-butter knack of throwing down thick, burly stoner-doom riffs, fat grooves, and irresistible hooks within tightly coiled, progressive frameworks.

Conceptually delving into the history, mysticism, and folklore of Somerset (set in the 4th Century AD), The Ghost of Badon Hill possesses a darkly enchanting, melancholic atmosphere, dripping with their trademark moody and emotive delivery. Sergeant Thunderhoof’s muscular progressive tendencies amidst the album’s restrained approach, are given platforms to gradually unfurl and develop on the stirring longer form epics (“The Orb of Octavia,” and heart-wrenching closer “Beyond the Hill”). Shifting effortlessly through dynamic arrangements, moods and textures, earwormy hooks, and melodies are never far from the surface, as skilled musicianship, excellent vocals, and exemplary guitar work cuts deeply. The highs may fall short of its predecessor, however, The Ghost of Badon Hill wins points for its interesting concept, cutting emotional resonance, and compact duration (sporting a significantly shorter runtime than This Spectred Veil). Each song comes uniformly well-constructed, nuanced, and deceptively infectious.

The writing is never less than engaging and the hooks penetrate deeper with subsequent listens. Following initial reservations, The Ghost of Badon Hill developed into an increasingly addictive listen, a genuine grower, demonstrating the band’s continued growth and maturity and standing tall alongside higher profile contemporaries, such as Green Lung. The Ghost of Badon Hill is a richly rewarding platter of groovy, proggy, emotive delights, reinforcing Sergeant Thunderhoof as an elite and unappreciated heavyweight in the hazy realms of psychedelic, progressive and stoner-influenced rock/metal.

Tracks to Check Out: “The Orb of Octavia,” “Salvation for the Soul,” “Sentinel”



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