What is my only criticism of Norwegians Audrey Horne? Their lack of UK shows. I have been a fan of this band since their debut record, No Hay Banda, arrived in 2005. 21 years later, I have seen them once. At 2010’s Sonisphere, where they played on the Jagermeister stage. Eight UK shows in total, the last in 2014, says Setlist.fm.
Audrey Horne – Achilles
Release Date: 4 September 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
Four years since the brilliant Devil’s Bell, and the Horne are back with Achilles. Their eighth studio album, Achilles reeks of quality. The band’s ability to blend their backgrounds into the most epic hard rock and Heavy Metal once again pushes through.
And whilst they have a core sound that is instantly recognisable, it is their ability to weave the blend of high-energy heavy rock with more progressive and melodic parts that makes them so enjoyable.
The title track is a ripping affair, with the distinctive voice of singer Toschie immediately grabbing the attention. With dual guitarists Ice Dale and Thomas Tofthagen adding that Thin Lizzy / Wishbone Ash twin guitar attack, it is an ideal song to capture the attention.
In The Eye of The Hurricane and Vampires are both future anthems whilst God Damn Beautiful sees bass player Espen Lien take lead vocals on a song that could easily be a track that Thin Lizzy or even Those Damn Crows would be proud to have written. It has got a groove, a lovely, relaxed feel and lyrics that are worn on the sleeve.
Plenty of atmosphere throughout the album, and it switches from the emotional, melancholic ballad Pretty Little Lies to the high-energy, Iron Maiden-inspired Insanity, which thunders along, taking the storyline from Hallowed Be Thy Name.
It is their ability to write catchy hard rock that really allows Audrey Horne to stand out from their peers. Criminally underrated in my view, their music is consistently excellent, and on Achilles they once again produce 11 tracks that are all high quality.
They do not overstay their welcome, with the longest song here being the title track at 5:36. Hell Is Eternity rocks along at pace, demanding you nod along, and by the third listen you will be singing along to the chorus.
They close the album with New Star Falling, a gorgeously melodic finale that once again allows some dual guitar work to shine whilst Toschie’s rich vocals fit the song perfectly.
Achilles is another brilliant album from a band who deserve so much more attention. It really is worth checking out if you enjoy well-crafted hard rock with sweet melodic undertones. Now lads, about that UK tour …
Audrey Horne release Achilles on 4 September 2026 via Napalm Records. Pre-orders are available from lnk.to/AudreyHorne-Achilles/napalmrecords.
