HEAVENFALL – Thorn

Heavenfall is an Italian heavy metal band that was founded in 2003. Their first studio album, Falling from Heaven, was released in 2012. After putting out their 2017 EP titled The Besiders, the band released their second studio album, Thorn, on May 15, 2026, through Rockshot Records. The road certainly hasn’t been easy for Heavenfall; after all, they were just kids when they started the band; the youngest being 15 and the oldest being 16. The music industry is also a different beast compared to what it was 30 years ago, especially for the heavy metal genre. Say they got their start in the mid ‘80s, Heavenfall would’ve been in the same circle as Helloween and other power metal bands of the time. Thorn was produced by the band, and mixed and mastered by Davide Tavecchia. The lineup that plays on the album includes Dest on lead vocals, Pave on guitars, Simo on guitars, Stefano on bass guitar, and Marco on drums.

The Longevity of Complexity

Thorn kicks off with “Squall-led,” a barnstorming power metal number with a dark atmosphere. The heavy yet melodic guitar hooks give sci-fi vibes. The lyrics encourage listeners to learn and move on from their past mistakes. “Sudden Zenith” is a heavy metal orchestra loaded with gorgeous guitar melodies that are reminiscent of ‘80s Iron Maiden. “No Candlelight” is a haunting track that gives off “walking alone through a dark forest” vibes. It’s got a stomping groove, the guitar melodies are gorgeous, and the lyrics address the struggle to find a place to call their home. “Lingering Under the Acid Rain,” an excellent title for a song, by the way, has such tasteful instrumentation from start to finish, with the choir vocals sprinkled throughout the song, the acoustic guitar melodies, the tasteful hi-hat work in the second verse, and the chugging guitar riff giving off speed metal vibes. The lyrics inform listeners that they are in charge of their own destiny.

“Ora Pro Nemine” is a powerful and anthemic, slow headbanger that calls out the hypocrisy of the Church and religion as a whole. “Midnightingale” makes good use of flamenco acoustic guitars, blending them effortlessly with electric guitars to create a sonically gorgeous heavy metal orchestra. “The Wind Chimes Garden” is a slow headbanger with soaring lead vocals from Dest; it’s got a great groove, a memorable hook, and a menacing bass line. The song’s subject is the place where people lock themselves to avoid being hurt, at the cost of their freedom. The song’s closing lullaby sounds like a music box that resembles the intro for Bon Jovi’s “Tokyo Road.” “Stromonium” is a tricky one because it has a lot of great ideas with the guitar melodies and song structure. However, remember that scene in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) when Ray Foster tells Freddie Mercury that “Bohemian Rhapsody” goes on forever because it’s six minutes long and Mercury snaps back with, “I pity your wife if you think six minutes is forever!”? “Stromonium” is reminiscent of that; it’s not terrible, but it’s a mixed bag.

Final Assessment

Another complaint would be that the songs don’t have longevity. The songs are enjoyable, and the melodies are catchy, but there are songs by different artists that immediately stick with people after just one listen. The songs on Thorn don’t have that, and the complex nature of power metal doesn’t help Heavenfall’s case at all. The album cover is not good either because neither the band name nor the album name are present on the cover. The thorn crown makes sense, but still, the overall design looks lazy. Depending on the listener, the songs on Thorn would take multiple listens to truly appreciate the vision Heavenfall were going for. Despite the negatives, the album’s production is terrific, with every instrument having its chance to shine, especially the guitars. For those who are interested, give Heavenfall’s Thorn a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Squall-led
2. Sudden Zenith
3. No Candlelight
4. This Illusion
5. Left Apart
6. Lingering Under the Acid Rain
7. Midwinter in July
8. Ora Pro Nemine
9. Midnightingale
10. The Wind Chimes Garden
11. Stramonium

Band Lineup

Dest – lead vocals
Pave – guitars
Simo – guitars
Stefano – bass guitar
Marco – drums

Check out the music video for “No Candlelight” from Heavenfall’s Thorm!