Best of SXSW 2015: Royal Thunder

Seems like we’ve been posting about Royal Thunder pretty much every day lately (actually, we have), and there’s good reason: this band is completely on top of their game right now, positively killing in every way.

If someone were to ask me what I like so much about Royal Thunder, I might respond thusly: “What’s NOT to like?” This is music for everyone: approachable rock with hooks for the masses and enough musical complexity for the die-hards. Sure, Royal Thunder sound considerably less metal on their new album Crooked Doors, but in place of hefty doom riff comes an extra emphasis on melodies that you can come back to time and again.

And it’s those melodies that make this band so special, specifically vocalist/bassist Mlny Parsonz’ delivery of them: make no mistake, she’s the star of the show. At once demure and completely captivating, Parsonz is the rare frontperson that doesn’t have to do much to command the room’s attention — she just does it by being. That her voice is incredibly powerful and soulful certainly doesn’t hurt, either; it’s rare to see such a talent in today’s metal scene.

YouTube is light on live Royal Thunder performances from this year, but here’s a decently shot show from last summer that’ll give you a pretty good idea of what seeing them play feels like (watch below).

Royal Thunder will be on tour this spring with Wild Throne (dates here), so don’t be a fool and miss out.