Thorndale | Spiritual Chains | Self-Release

 

    Thorndale is a heavy/stoner/doom metal band based in the Netherlands, formed by musicians from both European and North American backgrounds. The band includes Gustavo Valderrama (vocals), Peter Shannon (guitars), Maarten Jungschläger (guitars), and Zigor Munoz (bass), with Rob Stone contributing drums as a guest. Their members have played in bands like Adarrak, Killing Darlings, Embers Of Oblivion, Epinikion, and Primal Charge. Since the release of their debut album, “Lightning Spawn,” in 2024, Thorndale has earned attention for their heavy sound and atmosphere and their powerful songwriting.

 “Spiritual Chains” is Thorndale’s sophomore full-length release, and it delivers a heavier and more intense listening experience compared to their debut. The album leans into a moodier and darker tone, with longer compositions and a more layered guitar sound, helped by the addition of a second guitarist. The production is solid and powerful, especially considering the album was recorded across multiple studios in North America and Europe. The final mix by Rickard Bengtsson and Stafan Karlsson gives the album consistency and impact.

The six tracks build a strong identity without sounding repetitive. Riffs carry weight, and the guitar interplay brings variety. The songs don’t rush, often stretching into slow or mid-tempo passages, typical for the genre but handled with enough care to stay engaging. Vocals by Gustavo Valderrama are rough and expressive, fitting well with the music’s tone.

The guest appearance by Jeff Henson on “Exiles And Masters” brings a subtle contrast without disrupting the album’s flow. Meanwhile, the opening track, “Veins Of The Phoenix,” sonically reminds of Confessor, and the title track, “Spiritual Chains,” provides one of the more memorable moments, using dynamics and guitar layering effectively. The cover artwork by Costin Chioreanu also matches the album’s tone well—mysterious, heavy, and symbolic.

Overall, “Spiritual Chains” feels like a solid step forward for Thorndale. It sounds more focused than their debut and benefits from thoughtful songwriting and tighter musicianship. The band clearly knows what kind of sound they want, and they deliver it with confidence.

Score: 8.0