
Review By Glen Parkes
Danish blues-rock powerhouse Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado return with their latest album, House of Sticks, released on January 31 via Provogue / Mascot Label Group. With their signature blend of swampy grooves, smoldering ballads, and cinematic blues, the band once again pushes the boundaries of the genre while staying rooted in their soulful essence.
A Modern Take on Classic Blues
House of Sticks showcases the group’s ability to blend contemporary influences with the timeless sound of Chicago blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Drawing comparisons to modern giants like The Black Keys and My Baby, the album resonates with a fresh, vibrant energy while paying homage to blues legends. Thorbjørn Risager’s gravelly vocals are the centerpiece, exuding a charisma that evokes comparisons to Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and Billy Gibbons.

The octet brings their A-game on this record, with tight arrangements and dynamic performances that reflect the chemistry honed over years of touring and recording. Their ability to seamlessly transition from high-energy stompers to reflective ballads makes this album a standout in their already impressive discography.
Standout Tracks for me are The title track, House of Sticks, that opens the album with a slow-burning groove, drawing listeners into its swampy, atmospheric embrace. Risager’s soulful delivery is complemented by The Black Tornado’s lush instrumentation, creating a cinematic feel that sets the tone for the album.
The track Long Time Ago is a prime example of the band’s prowess. Its energy, driven by a relentless rhythm and Risager’s captivating voice, makes it an instant earworm. Meanwhile, Already Gone, a gritty blues-rock anthem, showcases searing guitar solos and emotionally charged storytelling that leaves a lasting impression is my track of the album .
For those seeking tender moments, Out of the Rain delivers a ballad steeped in longing and introspection. The interplay between the soulful vocals and the delicate instrumentation is a testament to the band’s versatility and emotional depth. On Inner Light, the band explores a more funky side, blending blues with hints of the sounds of the seventys . This track’s layered textures and hypnotic groove highlight The Black Tornado’s ability to innovate within the blues-rock framework What sets House of Sticks apart is its cohesiveness. Each track feels like a piece of a larger puzzle, with the album flowing effortlessly from one song to the next. Producer Kasper Rasmussen has done an excellent job of capturing the band’s live energy while polishing the sound to perfection. The result is an album that feels organic yet refined, showcasing the best of what Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have to offer.
With over 60,000 albums sold and 20 million streams, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have cemented their place as one of Europe’s premier blues-rock acts. Their accolades, including numerous awards and endorsements from legends like Dan Aykroyd, are well-deserved. House of Sticks is a testament to their staying power and creativity, proving that the band continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. House of Sticks is a triumph—a record that captures the essence of blues while pushing its boundaries into exciting new territory. It’s an album for long-time fans and newcomers alike, offering a rich tapestry of sound that’s as soulful as it is electrifying. Whether you’re drawn to the high-energy stomp of Long Time Ago or the heartfelt introspection of Out of the Rain, this album delivers on every level. For fans of blues-rock with a modern twist, House of Sticks is an essential listen. Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have outdone themselves, crafting a record that is as cohesive as it is dynamic, and as timeless as it is innovative. Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have created an album that’s not just well put together—it’s a masterpiece of modern blues-rock.
Track List:
- House of Sticks
- Already Gone
- Light of Your Love
- Long Time Ago
- Said I Was Hurt
- Inner Light
- We’ll Get By
- Out of the Rain
- Climbed a Mountain
- Fine Summer Night
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