A specter of doom and groove has been channeled through the international scene, with a first manifestation found in 2024’s Lightning Spawn, and that debut EP has since been followed by another conjuring titled Spiritual Chains. This metal fusion is also said to have stoner rock influences, but euphoria here is induced more from THORNDALE’s triumphant sound than any form of weed. It hits compellingly right at the onset with a melodicism that soars around the driving riff power, and both elements harmonize to form multi-layered structures laden with epic force, which are further imbued with different auras created from nuanced features in the songcraft. Noted currents bring an ominous tone to parts of the opening track, and the tranced-out tremolo contortions of “Battles Fought in Vain,” along with the psychedelic guitar effects on “Exiles and Masters,” reflect altered states agreeable to this musical style.
Different melodic elements often surround launches into leadwork, like when tremolos with a spacey effect herald soloing on “Twenty Thousand Souls,” and the leads on “Gods of Pain” are followed by other elevated structures that sustain their culminated energy. Solos proliferate throughout each track, and they parallel the vehement might of the other arrangements while exhibiting the highest form of technical proficiency. Vocals contribute further shades to the melodic interplay, with clean sung harmonizations favorable to the more progressive spirit of this sound, and those dynamics also shift capably to a harsher side on tracks like “Gods of Pain” to reinforce the riffing attack. Some lower-end riff structures match the epic levels attained vocally and through leads, including heavy fret patterns that charge a grooving aspect in the compositions, and this is exemplified during “Battles Fought in Vain” alongside notable bursts of punctuating speed riffage.
Besides grooving through heavy-noted designs, the riffs vary with some classic undertones on “Veins of the Phoenix,” and thrashier transitions are unleashed across “Twenty Thousand Souls” and the title track. They also possess highly prominent rhythmic forms, with the chugged areas on “Gods of Pain” being marked by harmonic notes, and the above “Twenty Thousand Souls” demonstrates further technique in parts with an off-time punchiness. Chord structures abound with a stomping power that is matched percussively, and those beats focus on slower or mid paces, which are laced with intricate fills and cymbal hits while leaving room for other compositional nuances to be recognized. “Exiles and Masters” is one track capturing that dexterity, and the way a final haunting melody is accompanied to the end by double bass shows a complementary alignment between multiple arrangements, a quality often striking when the power around sections of leadwork is strengthened by certain grooves or riff styles. This entire work stands as a fierce continuation of THORNDALE’s evolution, echoing the technical and infectious grooving psychedelia of debut tracks like “I Accuse You” and “Foreboding,” and both releases should resonate easily with those looking to be immersed in the progressive side of epic stoner doom.
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