Heavenfall – ‘Thorn’

(Rockshots Records)

There's something comforting about a band that knows exactly what lane it's operating in. Heavenfall's latest release, Thorn, arrives with all the hallmarks of modern melodic thrash metal: sharp riffs, dark atmosphere, plenty of aggression, and just enough melancholy to keep things from becoming a blur of palm-muted chugging. The result is an album that's consistently enjoyable, occasionally impressive, but rarely manages to elevate itself beyond the expectations of the genre.

Right from the start, Thorn establishes a bleak and windswept mood. The production is polished without sounding sterile, allowing the guitars to retain a satisfying bite while the rhythm section provides a sturdy foundation underneath. Everything sounds professional and well assembled. Whether that's a positive or negative depends on what you're looking for. Fans of contemporary metal will appreciate the clarity, while listeners hoping for something a little rougher or more dangerous may find the album slightly too controlled.

Pave and Simo’s guitar work is arguably the strongest aspect of the record. Heavenfall clearly understand how to balance thrash-inspired speed with more melodic passages, and throughout the album they demonstrate a knack for constructing memorable riff patterns. There are numerous moments where a particularly strong guitar phrase grabs your attention and suggests the band are on the verge of delivering something genuinely special. Unfortunately, those moments often pass before they're fully developed.

Vocally, Dest’s performance is solid without being particularly distinctive. The harsh vocals fit the material well and carry enough conviction to sell the album's darker themes. There are occasional melodic elements woven into the arrangements that help break up the intensity, but the vocal approach largely remains within familiar territory. Nothing sounds out of place, yet there aren't many moments that leave a lasting impression once the album finishes.

One recurring issue throughout Thorn is a sense of sameness. Individual sections are often enjoyable in the moment, but the album sometimes struggles to create enough contrast between its heavier and more atmospheric sides. Many of the songs share a similar emotional weight and pacing, which can make the second half feel less impactful than it should. The band clearly have the technical ability to explore a wider range of dynamics, but they rarely push themselves far enough outside their established formula.

That's not to say the album lacks ambition. Heavenfall frequently incorporate atmospheric textures and melancholic melodies that give the record a more expansive feel than straightforward thrash metal. These elements help distinguish Thorn from some of its peers and provide a welcome sense of mood. The problem is that the ideas don't always come together in a way that feels entirely cohesive. At times the album seems caught between wanting to be an aggressive thrash release and a brooding melodic metal statement, never fully committing to either identity.

The rhythm section of Ste (Bass) and Marco (Drums) deserve credit for keeping everything moving. The drumming is energetic and precise, offering plenty of double-kick intensity without overwhelming the material. Likewise, the bass provides a reliable backbone even if it rarely emerges as a dominant force within the mix. Together they create a platform that allows the guitar work to remain front and centre.

From a songwriting perspective, Thorn is competent rather than exceptional. There are no glaring missteps, but there are also relatively few moments that demand repeated listens. Many of the compositions follow familiar structures, and while they are executed effectively, they seldom surprise the listener. The album often feels like the work of a talented band refining established influences rather than carving out a truly unique identity.

Still, there's something undeniably likable about the record. Heavenfall clearly care about melody, atmosphere, and craftsmanship, and that dedication shines through even when the material falls short of greatness. The musicianship is strong, the production is modern and powerful, and the album maintains a consistent tone from beginning to end. For some listeners, that consistency will be a strength. For others, it may highlight the absence of standout moments.

‘Squall-Led’ opens the album with plenty of energy, throwing the listener straight into Heavenfall's blend of melodic thrash and atmospheric metal. The riffs are sharp and the momentum is strong, although it doesn't quite deliver the knockout opening statement it seems to be aiming for.

A faster and more aggressive affair, ‘Sudden Zenith’ leans heavily into the band's thrash influences. The intensity is welcome, but the songwriting feels a little predictable compared to the stronger moments elsewhere on the album.

‘No Candlelight’ is one of the darker cuts on the record. The mood takes centre stage here, with a more brooding atmosphere helping the song stand out from some of the album's more straightforward material.

‘This Illusion’ is a solid middle-of-the-road effort. Nothing particularly wrong with it, but it lacks the memorable hooks or standout moments needed to leave a lasting impression.

‘Left Apart’ – the emotional weight of the album begins to surface more clearly here. Strong melodies help elevate the track, even if it occasionally feels like Heavenfall are revisiting ideas they've already explored earlier on.

‘Lingering Under The Acid Rain’ is possibly one of the album's more ambitious compositions. The band successfully balances heaviness and atmosphere, creating a track that feels larger in scope than much of the surrounding material.

‘Midwinter in July’ is a welcome change of pace. There's a melancholy quality running through the song that adds some variety to the album and helps break up the relentless darkness.

‘Ora Pro Nemine’ feels like a bridge between the album's more aggressive and melodic sides. While it doesn't fully capitalise on its ideas, it contributes nicely to the record's overall flow.

‘Midnightingale’ is one of the more memorable tracks on Thorn. Strong guitar work and a well-developed atmosphere combine to create a song that sticks with the listener longer than most.

‘The Wind Chimes Garden’ is a surprisingly restrained piece that focuses more on mood than outright aggression. It won't be everyone's favourite, but it provides some welcome breathing room before the finale.

‘Stramonium’ – the closing track attempts to bring together everything Heavenfall have explored across the album. It's a respectable finale with plenty of intensity, though it falls just short of delivering a truly unforgettable ending.

Ultimately, Thorn is a respectable addition to the modern heavy metal landscape. It succeeds in delivering a collection of well-played, emotionally charged songs that should satisfy fans of melodic thrash and contemporary extreme metal. At the same time, it never quite reaches the level where it becomes essential listening. It's the kind of album you'll enjoy while it's playing, recommend with a few caveats, and perhaps revisit occasionally without feeling compelled to place it among the year's best releases.

A good album with plenty of strong riffs and atmosphere, but one that struggles to separate itself from the many other bands operating in a similar space.

5/10

Essential Track – ‘No Candlelight’

Review by Woody