Titled The Ghost Of Badon Hill, the upcoming album from the Bath-based stoner/psychedelic rock band is the follow-up to 2022’s This Sceptred Veil, and is scheduled to be released in November this year, via Pale Wizard Records.
The album’s concept is set in the 4th Century AD and positively charged with raw emotion and Arthurian mysticism. Recorded with Josh Gallop (who recently became an official member of the band) at Stage 2 Studios in Bath and mastered by Tony Reed [MOS GENERATOR], their new LP sees the band exploring wider and more textured sonic landscapes, whilst conceptually delving into Somerset’s famous Battle of Badon.
Speaking about the upcoming album, vocalist/lyricist Dan Flitcroft says, “this new album feels to me like our most focussed and thoughtful release to date. In the past we’ve not had any limitations when it comes to song lengths and structures as we didn’t have a label calling the shots. But one thing that I knew was needed for this album was to set some boundaries. Foremost of which was the ability to get it onto two sides of vinyl, as opposed to us having to put most of our previous works onto double packages due to the sheer length of the songs.
So, knowing that we only had 22 minutes or so per side to play with, it forced us to take the songs we had been jamming and sort the wheat from the chaff. Anything that felt unnecessary or superfluous was scrapped, with every moment on the record needing to justify its own place. I came across the theme for the album by sheer accident when out walking with my family. I had no idea that Bath was a possible location for a real-life battle between the Britons and invading Anglo Saxons, on what was known as Badon Hill. There are a few prominent hills in and around our city that have been suggested as possible locations, famously PETER GABRIEL sang about Solsbury Hill many years ago, and that is such a special and romantic place to visit.
I got lost down a rabbit hole of facts, speculation, mythology and fantasy. I very quickly focussed on a story of simple people leading simple lives, forced to do amazing things to protect themselves and their kind. Having this narrative ticking away in my brain whilst working on the songs with the band really helped shape the feel and emotional journey that the songs take you on. I couldn’t be prouder of this work and the fantastic contribution that all of the members of the band brought to the table.”
Alongside the announcement of the new album, SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF have released a new music video for a new song lifted from the upcoming album; Blood Moon.
Speaking about the new song, Flitcroft says, “lyrically, the song Blood Moon is about finding courage and hope when all around is despair. Knowing that what we do in this life, echoes through eternity long after we’re all gone. The song came together very quickly as a result of a jam in our rehearsal space. It’s a much shorter and punchier song than is usual for our band which makes a refreshing change.”
Watch the official music video for Blood Moon here:
Also, you can view both the track list and artwork for the upcoming new album below:
Track List:
1. Badon 2. Blood Moon 3. The Orb Of Octavia 4. Salvation for The Soul 5. Sentinel 6. Beyond The Hill
The Ghost Of Badon Hill coverart
The Ghost Of Badon Hill is set for release on November 15th via Pale Wizard Records. Pre-orders are available now and can be purchased here.
For more information on SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF like their official page on Facebook.
