Album Review: Thunder Horse - Dead Alive in Texas
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
For those amongst us who have seen the tour de force that is Texan doom metallers Thunder Horse perform, it will come as no surprise when you hear “Dead Alive in TX” as the band are at their electrifying best. Full of aggression and powerful riffs, with Stephen Bishop being masterful in his vocal delivery, it takes me back to seeing them last year on their first UK tour in Manchester, as this is where the band simply explodes into life
The riffs are fast and loud, with the bass sound of Dave Crow something to behold, as he drives the songs to near impossible heights and alongside Bishop, Todd Connally on guitar and Johnny Lightning on drums, they are an immovable object and only getting better and better. This live album gives them the platform to showcase their explosive music to the masses via Ripple Music and it doesn’t disappoint.
From the opening riff of “Let Them Bleed” you can feel the raw energy and with Bishop spitting his venom towards all politicians, it’s a strong start to the performance but more importantly, it sets the standard for what follows. It does have that dreamy psych element halfway through, with the gripping solo that adds so much to the song and showcases the talents that the band have.
Playing songs from across their three studio albums, it shows the progression the quartet have made, and with the impressive “New Normal” next up, it’s another strong song from their catalogue with that added 1970’s rock vibe coming through loud and clear, before they slow it down with “Remembrance” that leads into the wonderful bass loaded “Demon Speak” which flows effortlessly and adds more doom splendour to the night.
Dipping back again into 2021’s “Chosen One” they produce a scintillating version of “Song for The Ferryman”, which proves once again that the band know the power of the riff and they aren’t afraid to use it. It’s slow, low and a full-on slice of doom metal that leads nicely onto the behemoth of a song that is “Monolith”. This song truly encapsulates what Thunder Horse are all about, angry and aggressive, with an addictive bassline, thumping drums and riffs aplenty, all held together by observant lyrics delivered with raw passion. It’s the perfect song for a bit of pit action as well, with it’s anthemic chorus and drawn out silky solo ending to milk the applause further.
We are then treated to the glorious “Liber Ad Christ Milites Templi”, just under nine minutes of heavy blues mixed with sabbath-esque riffs and Pink Floyd psych, that all build towards a joyous crescendo of noise that you never get tired of listening to. The penultimate track is the epic “Chosen One” which proves without a doubt that there is no heavy like Texas heavy. They round it all off with a raucous cover of Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” which I remember them playing in Manchester, a dedication to a legendary band, and one which they cover with great aplomb.
Thunder Horse are an awesome band and even more awesome live, so check them out when you get the chance, you won’t be disappointed, as “Dead Alive in Texas” proves.
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