Welcome to the feature where we sit down and talk to bands and artists about their latest albums to find out all about it. Today we speak to band Sergeant Thunderhoof about the new album The Ghost of Badon Hill.

Hello nice to meet you, tell us about yourself!

We’re Sergeant Thunderhoof, five extremely handsome and potent men from Bath in England. We play heavy progressive music with an emphasis on melody and drama.

Tell us about the new album

It’s very much inspired by the place we live in South West England. The concept is based on a real battle that happened in the 5th Century at a place called Badon Hill, which may have been where Solsbury Hill is located today. We tried to evoke the spirit and emotion of medieval England through the music and lyrics.

Favourite track in new album and why?

I really don’t have a favourite right now. Ask me in a year’s time and I may be able to answer that. However, the epic riff that comes in at the very end of the album is pretty special. It’s meant to signify the culmination of the story, the personal armageddon of the protagonist.

Tell us a bit about the recording process, was it fun to do?

It was all done at our own studio in Bath. It was a really enjoyable experience as we’ve all been doing this long enough to make sure we actually appreciate the time we get together making music.

What inspired the album name?

The story of the album is based on a mythical soldier who is tasked with watching the hill for the rest of time, until the return of someone important to the narrative. I can’t say more than that without spoiling it!

Tell us the idea behind the album cover?

Sara-Jane Swettenham does all our artwork and so she listened to the album many times in order to fully understand the concept. We love what she has done with the art. If you look closely there are little clues and call backs to our previous releases.

What one of your songs on the new album do you think will be the most difficult to rehearse for a live audience?

Probably the first song as that has lots of dynamics and acoustic guitars. Not saying it’s impossible to replicate live, but it’d take some time! I also think my vocals on that song are some of my best as they really pushed my range. I’d need to look after my voice well before attempting it.

Why should people listen to the album?

Because it’s a great journey. Because it’s awesome. Because our guitarist Mark will cry like a little baby in the corner of his room if you don’t.