ALBUM REVIEW - THORNHILL - Heroine
Written by: Tom Wilson @thetomwilsonexperiment - Sense Music Media | Thursday 2nd June 2022
Melbourne Gothic Metalcore Troupe Deliver the Goods
When THORNHILL dropped their single Arkangel at the start of this year, my jaw dropped as well. Stunningly produced gothic metal, blending lovestruck vocals and unfurling melodies with the crunch of down-tuned guitars, Arkangel set a massively high bar for their second LP, Heroine.
The question is, have they matched it?
The Review
A lonely, fuzzed-out guitar opens The Hellfire Club, before it explodes into a soaring display of DEFTONES worship – vocalist Jacob Charlton crooning over a pounding wall of sound. The production here is superb – the mix giving the guitars of Matt van Duppen and Ethan McCann an almighty punch every time they come in, and applying devastating weight to the rhythms of Nick Sjogren and Ben Maida. Leather Wings follows a similar trajectory, blending djent rhythms with dark rock. Charlton sings to the stars on Blue Velvet, and the storming Arkangel comes out of the gate with a riff that could knock down a brick wall.
Valentine opens with a raspy drum beat that wouldn’t be out of place on a NINE INCH NAILS album, as Charlton croons through the darkness. Hyperactive single Casanova is a propulsive rock number that will make you want to do burnouts, before opening up into a sprawling vocal hook and a spasmodic solo. I have no idea what guitar setup these guys are using, but I love it.
Something Terrible Came with the Rain is a gorgeous interlude, as a gentle strumming guitar slowly expands with plinking percussion, then swells into orchestral flourishes. It’s playful, serene and moving, right down to the last sparse chimes. Hollywood kicks things back into gear with gnarled, crackling percussion that evokes STABBING WESTWARD before slamming into a djent pummel. A klaxon of synths open up Raw, before malevolent vocals plunge into driving rock with a climax as heavy as lead. Varsity Hearts is by turns lovestruck and sinister, and Heroine closes things off with a dreamy soundscape of guitar and crooning vocals that would be right at home on Koi No Yokan.
The Verdict
There aren’t many curveballs to be found here. Heroine is THORNHILL flexing their musical muscle and showcasing what they do best. Fans of DEFTONES and MUSE will have kittens when they hear this. It’s a stunning piece of work from a truly exciting band. Miss their upcoming shows at your peril.
8/10
Heroine is out June 3rd on UNFD. National THORNHILL tour in July through Destroy All Lines.
