Sergeant Thunderhoof – This Sceptred Veil (Review)

Sergeant Thunderhoof are a stoner rock band from the UK and this is their fourth album.

This Sceptred Veil boasts a colossal 68 minutes of music for the discerning listener’s entertainment. Combining elements of doom, stoner, progressive, and psychedelic rock into a thoroughly satisfying and rewarding collection of tracks, Sergeant Thunderhoof have produced a sterling album.

The songs are well-constructed works that are colourful and textured. Every song has something of its own to contribute to the whole. The album’s length never becomes a barrier to enjoyment as the quality levels are so high.

The music has abundant personality and depth, and more hooks than you can shake a stick at. Mood-focused, yet without neglecting direct appeal elements, This Sceptred Veil is a triumph of songwriting and delivery. Dark grooves and giant heavy riffs power the music forward as rich, vibrant melodies stream across the music like crackling lightning. Melancholic undertones and wistful atmospheres are never too far away, despite how upbeat or uplifting the music can be, and I like this earthy grounding that the songs seem to have.

The singer’s voice is melodic and emotive. He carries feeling very well, and has the sort of voice that would overpower the music of a lesser band. As it is, the music is strong enough to hold its own quite nicely.

This Sceptred Veil is a remarkable album. Bursting at the seams with rich emotion, spectacular hooks, and immersive atmosphere, Sergeant Thunderhoof have produced something special here.

Essential listening.