THE BEAST

Photo credit: Gustavo Valderrama

Haarlem, Netherlands – June 17, 2025 — Dutch stoner/doom metal juggernaut Thorndale has officially announced the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, Spiritual Chains , set to drop on September 12, 2025 . Following the thunderous impact of their 2024 debut Lightning Spawn , the band promises a darker, more mature sonic journey that marks a significant evolution in their sound and lineup.

The album’s lead single, “Veins of the Phoenix,” is now streaming on YouTube and available on Bandcamp, with a wider digital release across all platforms coming soon. Showcasing their signature blend of crushing riffs, atmospheric doom, and soaring vocals, the track hints at the firepower awaiting listeners in Spiritual Chains .

“If you hear a touch of the familiar here and there, that’s exactly what it is,” notes Doomed & Stoned ’s Billy Goate. “Hints, reminders that there were Giants of Metal long ago, and that the fire of those forebears continues to burn bright in talented musicians today.”

A Pan-Continental Creation of Crushing Sound

Spiritual Chains was recorded across various studios in Austin, Texas , Scarborough, Ontario , and the Netherlands (Haarlem and Den Haag) — a reflection of the band's international roots and dedication to sonic excellence. The album features a guest guitar solo by Jeff Henson (DUEL) on the epic closer, “Exiles and Masters.” Mixing and mastering duties were handled by the acclaimed team of Rickard Bengtsson and Stafan Karlsson at Sweetspot Studios in Halmstad, Sweden — known for their work with Arch Enemy and Spiritual Beggars .

A Formidable Line-Up of Metal Veterans

Thorndale brings together a powerhouse lineup of seasoned metal musicians from both sides of the Atlantic:

Gustavo Valderrama (vocals) – Killing Darlings, Headcrusher, Adarrak

Peter Shannon (guitars) – Primal Charge

Maarten Jungschläger (guitars) – Embers of Oblivion, Epinikion

Zigor Munoz (bass) – Adarrak, Ferkaad

Rob Stone (guest drums)

The addition of a second guitarist marks a new chapter in Thorndale’s sonic evolution, allowing for heavier layering, denser arrangements, and a broader emotional range throughout Spiritual Chains .

Album Details

Cover Art: Costin Chioreanu

All Music by: Thorndale

Lyrics by: Gustavo Valderrama and Zigor Munoz

Produced by: Thorndale

Guest Solo on “Exiles and Masters”: Jeff Henson (DUEL)

Mixed & Mastered by: Rickard Bengtsson and Stafan Karlsson at Sweetspot Studios

Photo Credit: Gustavo Valderrama (edited by Gonzalo Restrepo)

Fans of Sleep , Electric Wizard , Spiritual Beggars , and Orange Goblin will find themselves right at home in the punishing yet emotionally resonant world of Spiritual Chains . Thorndale is not just revisiting the traditions of stoner and doom — they’re reshaping them with global perspective and uncompromising heaviness.

Pre-order now via Bandcamp:
🔗 thorndale.bandcamp.com/album/spiritual-chains

Stay connected for more singles, lyric videos, and tour announcements as Thorndale prepares to unleash Spiritual Chains on the heavy music world this fall.

thorndalelegions.com