Review: Benjamin Coe
For the last decade, Thornhill have been constantly evolving their sound and pushing the boundaries of metalcore music. With a cult following that stretches right around the globe, these Melbourne-based lads continue to deliver some of the more interesting offerings in an otherwise saturated scene.
The upcoming album no.3, Bodies, is a testament to the bands tireless work ethic & never-give-up attitude and is not just some of their best work to date but is ultimately a benchmark for what this new era of Aussie metal bands can aspire to.
From the chugging bassline of lead track DIESEL you can instantly feel the intensity of what’s to come, well before frontman Jacob Charlton begins to spit venomous fire over the crushing riffs of guitarist Ethan McCann.
The intro to Revolver takes things down a notch for just a moment with Charlton’s whispering croon adding a dark atmosphere to the background ambience that is quickly taken over by more intense riffage from McCann and bassist Nick Sjogren.
The songwriting skills of these four gentlemen, who are rounded out by drummer Ben Maida, is taken to a whole new level, building upon the shoegaze-esque soundscapes that the band began to experiment with on Bodies’ predecessor,2022’s critically acclaimed Heroine.
Silver Swarm is a much more raw expedition into the sonic landscape that’s laid out before you and further proof that Thornhill can write not only a catchy tune but a heavy one at that. Charlton’s vocal melodies add just as much to the instrumentation as they do to the overall vibe of the album through his exceptional range and delivery.
Only Ever You’s infectious riffs will have you nodding your head along until the chorus comes crashing in to completely take over. The instrumental stylings of fell into the wind pave the way beautifully for the Deftones-inspired sounds of latest single TONGUES and nerv bleeds so seamlessly into lead single Obsession.
This is much more than a collection of songs, Bodies is an album that needs to be listened to front to back. It is a journey in the truest sense of the term and in a world where the flow of an album seems to be a lost art, Thornhill are making it matter more than ever. Even the trip-hop feel of CRUSH holds it’s place intently.
There’s not a single sound or moment on this album that feels forced or oddly out of place. Thornhill have produced a masterpiece, a true work of art and indeed a solid contender for album of the year.
Here’s to the future and what this band has to offer the world!
BODIES – OUT APRIL 4
https://thornhill.komi.io/
