Band:	Thunder Horse
Album:	Dead Alive In Texas
Style:	Doom metal
Release date:	July 05, 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]

Spirit of the Living Thunder Horse

Live albums often miss the real energy of a band’s show, but when done right, they capture the band’s true sound. A live album can also be used to preserve a great moment or give fans a snapshot of a particular time. Albums like Rush’s Exit... Stage Left, Iron Maiden’s Live After Death, Black Sabbath’s Live Evil, and KISS’s Alive! are great examples of live recordings that show the raw power of these legendary bands. Thunder Horse’s Dead Alive In Texas follows in this tradition.

In certain Native American traditions, the Thunder Horse was a symbol of the power of nature: the Thunder Horse would come down from the sky in storms and obliterate herds of buffalo. It was something to be both feared and respected, both a destructive force and tied to the life-giving processes of the natural world. Thunder Horse the band captures this same energy and power in its music.

Thunder Horse brings a bold Texan spirit with a sound that’s heavy and captivating. The album begins with “Let Them Bleed”, a fan favorite and one of their best songs. The riff and gritty vocals grab you right away. As the album moves through tracks like “New Normal” and “Monolith”, the band mixes heavy riffs with raw energy, while “Demons Speak” explores deeper, darker themes. Drawing from their three studio albums, Thunder Horse show their growth while sticking to their core sound. Songs like “Song For The Ferryman” and “Liber Ad Christ Milites Templi” show their range, from storytelling to heavy blues and doom-filled anthems; the rhythm section, consisting of Dave Crow on bass and Johnny Lightning on drums, delivers a strong groove that drives the performance.

This album’s sound is raw, rougher than their studio work, capturing the feel of a live show. This unpolished quality makes the album feel more real, giving fans a true live experience. The cover of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” ends the show with a rebellious energy that fits perfectly with the band’s own songs.

What makes Thunder Horse stand out is their ability to keep a unique sound while exploring different styles. Their music, influenced by many genres but still original, keeps the wild spirit of the Thunder Horse alive – free and not bound by any genre. With Dead Alive In Texas, Thunder Horse show that they are more than just another heavy band; they are a force in heavy music, with a strong, exciting live presence that stands out.