Thunder City: Blood Python's Dark Journey into the Occult

In the fog-laden depths of Oslo, Norway, lies the sinister creation of Martin "M. Horn" Horn Sørlie—Blood Python. M. Horn, also known for his work in Tempelheks, has birthed a one-man project that delves into the dark, eerie realms of heavy metal. Blood Python blends the chilling atmosphere of Norway’s blackened landscapes with dungeon synth elements and a sprinkle of doom, all while paying homage to occultic metal legends like Paul Chain and Death SS.

Founded in 2022, Blood Python has already unleashed two full-length albums: Acheron, released shortly after the project's inception, and Thunder City in 2023. Today, we’ll dive into Thunder City.

First off, let’s talk about the album cover. The combination of dark pink-violet hues, the mountainous backdrop split by a massive bolt of lightning, and the bold "BLOOD PYTHON" font, perfectly encapsulates the sound of the album. It’s atmospheric and foreboding, just as the music promises to be.

Musically, Thunder City is a striking blend of Lo-Fi, analogue-sounding heavy metal with a heavy dose of eerie, occultic vibes. Fans of dark, retro-inspired metal will find themselves right at home. If you’re looking for something epic, "Conqueror" offers a strong, anthemic sound wrapped in doom-laden heaviness, with catchy riffs that grip you from the start.

For those who crave atmosphere, "Swamp Sacrifice" begins with a hauntingly long acoustic intro before it weaves into dual guitar harmonies and NWOBHM-style riffs, gradually descending into a murky, doom-laden landscape that feels like a journey into a fog-filled swamp.

But the standout track has to be "The Gods That Fell to Earth." This 10-minute epic merges 80s horror soundtrack vibes with the raw energy of Paul Chain and Death SS. The first two minutes are so drenched in haunting synths that you might mistake it for a dungeon synth track, but don’t be fooled. After that beautifully eerie intro, the song kicks right into energetic riffing and a sharp little solo to set the mood straight. It’s the album’s crowning achievement, delivering a haunting yet modern twist on those classic occult metal influences.

Blood Python - Thunder City

Thunder City stands apart from the usual heavy metal fare. It’s dark, unexpected, and uniquely captivating. If you’re tired of the same old sound, give this album a spin—you won’t be disappointed.