Band:	Thunder Horse
Album:	Dead Alive In Texas
Style:	Doom metal
Release date:	July 2024
Guest review by:	Blackcrowe

01. Let Them Bleed
02. New Normal
03. Rememberance
04. Demon Speak
05. Song For The Ferryman
06. Monolith
07. Liber Ad Christ Milites Templi
08. Chosen One
09. Ace Of Spades [Motörhead cover]

The Spirit of Thunder Horse: Alive and Unleashed in Texas.

Live albums often struggle to capture the raw essence of a band’s performance, but when done right, they can immortalize a band’s true sound. Landmark live recordings like Rush’s Exit... Stage Left, Iron Maiden’s Live After Death, Black Sabbath’s Live Evil, and Kiss’s Alive! are prime examples of how live albums can cement a band’s legacy. These records showcase not just the music, but the electrifying energy of live performances, helping to solidify their legendary status. Thunder Horse’s Dead Alive In Texas follows in this esteemed tradition, offering a powerful testament to the band’s live prowess.

Thunder Horse carries a name that evokes powerful imagery and aligns with the band's heavy, doom-laden sound. While some may draw connections to Native American themes or cultural figures, the band primarily channels a broader essence of resilience and untamed energy. This thematic alignment enriches their identity, blending tradition with a modern edge in the heavy music landscape, offering a sound that feels both rooted and forward-looking.

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Thunder Horse brings their larger-than-life Texan spirit to the fore with a sound that’s both crushing and charismatic. The album kicks off with “Let Them Bleed”, arguably their best track and a crowd favorite that frequently opens their shows. The song’s relentless riff and gritty vocals immediately set the tone, showcasing the band’s ability to command attention from the get-go. As the album progresses through tracks like “New Normal” and “Monolith”, Thunder Horse blends sludgy riffs with raw energy, while “Demons Speak” delves into darker, more introspective territories.

Drawing from their three studio albums, Thunder Horse demonstrates their evolution without straying from their core identity. Songs like “Song For The Ferryman” and “Liber Ad Christ Milites Templi” highlight their dynamic range, from mythic narratives to heavy blues and doom-laden anthems. The rhythm section, featuring Dave Crow on bass and Johnny Lightning on drums, provides a powerful groove that drives the performance, with Lightning’s thunderous drumming particularly standing out.

The album’s sound is deliberately rudimentary compared to their studio work, capturing the raw, unrefined essence of a live show. This gritty, unpolished quality enhances the album’s authenticity, delivering a truly immersive experience that fans of live recordings will appreciate. Thunder Horse’s energetic cover of Motörhead’s “Ace Of Spades” wraps up the performance, injecting a rebellious spirit that complements their original material.

What sets Thunder Horse apart is their ability to maintain a distinctive sound while navigating their genre. Their music, rich with influences yet refreshingly original, keeps the free spirit of a thunder horse alive—untamed and unbound by genre conventions. With Dead Alive In Texas, Thunder Horse proves they’re more than just another heavy band; they’re a unique force in heavy music, bringing originality, strength, and an exhilarating live presence that truly sets them apart.