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Thornhill (band)

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Thornhill
Thornhill in 2022
Background information
OriginMelbourne, Australia
GenresAlternative metal, progressive metalcore, alternative rock
Years active2015–present
LabelsUNFD
Members
  • Jacob Charlton
  • Ethan McCann
  • Nick Sjogren
  • Ben Maida
Past members
  • Sam Anderson
  • Matt Van Duppen
Websiteunfdcentral.com/artists/thornhill

Thornhill are an Australian heavy metal band from Melbourne, formed in 2015. The band currently consists of vocalist Jacob Charlton, guitarist Ethan McCann, drummer Ben Maida, and bass guitarist Nick Sjogren. Thornhill have released two studio albums: The Dark Pool (2019) and Heroine (2022), and two EPs: 13 (2016) and Butterfly (2018).

History

Foundation and early years (2015–2017)

The band had its initial beginnings in 2015[1] when Jacob Charlton, Ben Maida, Sam Anderson and Ethan McCann began performing in Battle of the Bands competitions[2] whilst at high-school at Vermont Secondary College in outer suburban Melbourne. During this period the band described The Amity Affliction, Muse and Northlane as important musical influences.

The band's first formal release occurred in 2016 with debut single "XY" on 2 June 2016, featuring Void of Vision's Jack Bergin.[3] Soon after in August 2016, Thornhill released their debut EP, 13,[4] before going on to produce the self-released single "Temperer" in May 2017.[4]

After a positive critical reception to 13 and "Temperer",[5] the band toured as support acts for several Australian local metal bands including Void of Vision and Hellions. In 2017 the band won a Triple J Unearthed competition to support the British band Architects as part of their 2017 tour of Australia.[6] The publicity following this, as well as ongoing airtime on Triple J radio, including on the 'Home and Hosed' segment, saw the band go on to support Alpha Wolf, The Brave, Graves and, one of the band's early influences,[2] Northlane in 2017. The band released of the single "Limbo" on 15 August 2017.[4] Thornhill finished 2017 as Triple J's weekly feature artist in November.[7]

During late 2017 guitarist, Sam Anderson, left the band and was replaced by Matt van Duppen, who at the time was also guitarist for heavy-act Better Half. At the time Matt also assumed the role as the band's manager.[8]

Signing with UNFD and Butterfly EP (2018–2019)

Thornhill began early 2018 by supporting Australian metalcore heavyweight Parkway Drive at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne[9] before going on to again support the Architects in Adelaide.[10] Around this time the band revealed that it had signed a record deal with UNFD,[11][12] an independent record label based in Melbourne, Australia and home to a number of Australian rock and metal artists.

On 16 February 2018[4] the band released its second EP titled Butterfly, now under the UNFD label. The band's first ever headline show premiering Butterfly live followed on 7 April at the Melbourne venue, Cherry Bar, to a sold-out crowd.[13]

Thornhill embarked on a series of shows throughout 2018 and early 2019, supporting bands for Australian tours including Ocean Grove, Make Them Suffer and In Hearts Wake.[14][15][16] The band's year of heavy touring culminated in a feature at Unify Festival 2019,[17] a multi-day rock and heavy based music festival held in January in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.

The band released the single "Coven" on 4 April 2019[18] followed by The Coven Australian Tour.[19]

The Dark Pool and Heroine (2019–present)

On 25 October 2019, the band released its first studio album The Dark Pool,[4] under the UNFD label. The album debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at number 20[20] and featured a complement of music videos showcasing the album's doomsday and spiritualistic themes. The Dark Pool gained widespread attention leading to publicity with rock and heavy-metal focused journals and news sites.[21][22][23] The band had its first headline Australian tour in November 2019, visiting Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, debuting The Dark Pool live at 'Stay Gold' in Melbourne.[24] The album gained Thornhill a nomination for "Best International Breakthrough Band" at the '2020 Heavy Music Awards' by Amazon Music UK.[25] The Dark Pool was selected by Triple J as the station's 'Feature Album' for the first week of December 2019[26]

In November, the band headlined 'Misery: Emo Boat Party', a nautical-inspired gig held on board 'The Lady Cutler', a cruising boat departing Melbourne where the members of the band dressed up in old seamen style outfits.[27]

The band announced its first international tour, touring Europe in January 2020 with Ded as supports for Wage War. The band played shows across the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Immediately following this tour the band announced plans for a second international tour in 2020. Unfortunately, this was cancelled due to border restrictions following the COVID-19 epidemic.[28] The band announced plans in late 2020 for another international Europe and UK tour for late 2021 with August Burns Red, Bury Tomorrow and Miss May I.[29]

Thornhill played at Download Festival 2020 Melbourne and Sydney in March 2020, their last show before the COVID-19 pandemic.[30]

On 5 April 2020 a glitch in Triple J Darwin's broadcast system saw Thornhill make headlines when track "Lily and the Moon" was accidentally played on public radio on-loop for nearly four hours from approximately 4:30 am to 8:30 am.[31]

Despite not touring during most of 2020, Thornhill released an instrumental edition of The Dark Pool on 1 May 2020, and an isolated vocals edition of The Dark Pool on 29 May 2020.[32][33]

On 5 February 2021 the band's lead singer, Jacob Charlton, featured on the single "Year of the Rat" (featuring Jacob Charlton) by Void of Vision, a rework of the band's original song from their 2019 album Hyperdaze.[34] This track represented Thornhill coming full circle as Void of Vision's lead singer, Jack Bergin, featured on Thornhill's first single "XY".

The band was able to recommence live shows in March 2021 and began by touring Queensland, Australia.[35] Unfortunately the band was caught in the middle of a COVID-19 outbreak in Brisbane at the time and was forced to return to Melbourne to quarantine, requiring the rescheduling of the rest of their tour planned for the Australian East Coast[36]

Thornhill released the single "Casanova" on 28 October 2021, premiering on Triple J.[37] "Casanova" signified a shift in away from Thornhill's previous style toward a pop-metal fusion.

On 24 January 2022, the band released the single "Arkangel",[38] followed by single "Hollywood" on 7 March 2022, and "Raw" on 23 May 2022.

Thornhill released its second studio album Heroine on 3 June 2022.[39]

On 16 September 2022, the band announced the cancellation of their upcoming October/November tour with August Burns Red, Bury Tomorrow, and Miss May I, citing feeling "mentally burnt out" recently, being "forced to consider the longevity of the band" in order to "recharge and be ready to go again in 2023". The band also announced the departure of guitarist Matt "MVD" van Duppen, who will be stepping aside from performing and touring with the band in order to focus on full-time management of the band.[40]

On 24 January 2023, the band revealed that their rehearsal space had been broken into and that $100,000 worth of personal belongings and musical equipment had been stolen. They later launched a GoFundMe to replace said equipment.[41]

On 10 October 2023, the band released a new single titled "Viper Room”.

On 29 February 2024, the band released a new single titled "Obsession".

Members

Current

  • Jacob Charlton – vocals (2016–present), guitar (2023–present)[42]
  • Ethan McCann – guitar (2016–present)
  • Ben Maida – drums (2016–present)
  • Nick Sjogren – bass guitar (2016–present)

Former

  • Sam Anderson – guitar (2016–2017)
  • Matt van Duppen – guitar (2017–2022), manager (2022–present)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums
Title Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[43]
The Dark Pool 20
Heroine
  • Released: 3 June 2022
  • Label: UNFD
  • Format: CD, LP, streaming
 3
[44]

Extended plays

List of extended plays
Title Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[45]
13
  • Released: 14 August 2016[46]
  • Label: Thornhill
 —
Butterfly
  • Released: 16 February 2018[47]
  • Label: UNFD
 52

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2023 Heroine Best Independent Heavy Album or EP Nominated [48][49]

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are a set of annual ceremonies presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Heroine Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album Nominated [50]

Heavy Music Awards

Launched in 2017, the Heavy Music Awards democratically recognise the best of the year across the heavy music landscape – artists, events, photographers, designers, producers and more. With a panel of several hundred industry insiders nominating the finalists, the public has the final say on who wins.[51]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2020 Thornhill Best International Breakthrough Band Nominated[52]

References

  1. ^ Get To Know: Thornhill, 23 October 2019, retrieved 13 April 2021
  2. ^ a b Get To Know: Thornhill, 23 October 2019, retrieved 15 April 2021
  3. ^ "XY (Ft. Jack Bergin), by Thornhill". Thornhill. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Thornhill on Apple Music". Apple_Music. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  5. ^ "The Best Tracks of 2017 (so far) according to our Super Users!". triple j Unearthed. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  6. ^ "Open for ARCHITECTS!". triple j Unearthed. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  7. ^ "Get to know... Thornhill". triple j. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  8. ^ Sievers, Alex. "Matt Van Duppen On Both Playing In & Managing Thornhill". Killyourstereo.com. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  9. ^ "01/26/2018: Parkway Drive / Polaris / Thornhill @ Forum Theatre | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  10. ^ "Architects, Thornhill @ The Gov, Adelaide 10/1/2018". hifiway.live. 11 January 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  11. ^ "/". The Music. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  12. ^ DC (20 January 2018). "THORNHILL SIGN TO UNFD + RELEASE NEW SINGLE "REPTILE"". Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  13. ^ "Thornhill: 'Butterfly' EP Launch @ Cherry Bar, Melbourne – Depth Magazine". 9 April 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  14. ^ "Ocean Grove: With Thornhill, Mirrors & Shepherd @ The Manhattan – Depth Magazine". 19 May 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  15. ^ "/". The Music. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  16. ^ Brandon Long (12 October 2020). "In Hearts Wake announce 2021 tour with Thornhill, Gravemind, Drown This City". Metal, but Grater. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  17. ^ Newstead, Al (9 August 2018). "Unify Gathering have dropped their monster 2019 lineup". triple j. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  18. ^ "Thornhill – Coven (New Music) – Depth Magazine". 4 April 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  19. ^ "Thornhill". thornhill.tix.to. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  20. ^ "Thornhill | Native Tongue". Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  21. ^ "StackPath". amnplify.com.au. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  22. ^ "Thornhill Interview: Deep Into The Dark Pool – Depth Magazine". Depth_Mag. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  23. ^ Alexander, Al Newstead & Mitch (5 December 2019). "Thornhill just made a career-defining album, and it's only their first". triple j. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  24. ^ "Thornhill: 'The Dark Pool' Tour @ Stay Gold, Melbourne – Depth Magazine". 18 November 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  25. ^ "Here's are the Heavy Music Awards 2020 nominations". Ticketmaster UK. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  26. ^ "Thornhill – The Dark Pool". triple j. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  27. ^ "Thornhill To Headline Launch Of New Melbourne Emo Boat Party 'Misery'". Music Feeds. 7 October 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  28. ^ "'The comeback will be massive': band prepares for a new beginning". The Standard | Journalism@Swinburne. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  29. ^ Kingstar, Praktikant. "THORNHILL". Kingstar GmbH (in German). Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  30. ^ "Download Festival Expands 2020 Lineup". Music Feeds. 22 January 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  31. ^ "Sorry/you're welcome for the four hour loop of a single metal riff, Darwin". triple j. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  32. ^ "Thornhill – The Dark Pool (Instrumentals)". discogs. May 2020.
  33. ^ "Thornhill – The Dark Pool (Isolated Vocals)". discogs. 29 May 2020.
  34. ^ "StackPath". amnplify.com.au. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  35. ^ Fuamoli, Words by Sose (3 March 2021). "Thornhill announce their first headline tour in two years". triple j. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  36. ^ "/". The Music. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  37. ^ Newstead, Al (29 October 2021). "First Play: Thornhill bringing sexy back to heavy music with 'Casanova'". triple j. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  38. ^ Issa, Chanel (24 January 2022). "THORNHILL // Drop New Single 'Arkangel'". Hysteria Mag. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  39. ^ "Thornhill Announce "Heroine" Album + Share "Hollywood" Video". R o c k 'N' L o a d. 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  40. ^ "Thornhill cancel international tour dates, announce departure of guitarist Matt Van Duppen". nme. 17 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  41. ^ "Thornhill robbed of nearly $100,000 in gear and belongings after rehearsal space is broken into". NME. 24 January 2023.
  42. ^ "Thornhill - Viper Room [Official Music Video]". YouTube. 10 October 2023.
  43. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". www.aria.com.au. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  44. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 13 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  45. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 29 November 2021". The ARIA Report. No. 1656. Australian Recording Industry Association. 29 November 2021. p. 6.
  46. ^ 13 – Ep by Thornhill, retrieved 13 April 2021
  47. ^ Butterfly – EP by Thornhill, retrieved 13 April 2021
  48. ^ "Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023". Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  49. ^ "King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards". Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  50. ^ Lars Brandle (12 October 2022). "Rüfüs Du Sol Leads 2022 ARIA Awards Nominees (Full List)". The Music Network. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  51. ^ "About". Heavy Music Awards. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  52. ^ "Here's are the Heavy Music Awards 2020 nominations". Ticketmaster UK. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2021.


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