In their latest sonic tempest « House of Sticks », Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado weave a world on the brink of collapse, where survival teeters on a spider’s thread. Built on raw emotion and heavy, almost apocalyptic atmospheres, the track fuses swampy Delta vibes with a dark, modern blues soul. Images like a “spider crawlin’” and storms rising conjure a gripping sense of helplessness, as if fate itself, invisible yet inevitable, is slowly closing in. “Whatever happens to me, I’ve seen it comin’. There is no running from it”, Risager intones, his voice smoky and defiant. The official video, directed by Christoffer Askman and Peter W. Kehl, unfurls a ravaged world of cracked earth and broken dreams, matching the song’s haunting fatalism. Released under Provogue Records, « House of Sticks » stands not only as the title track but also as the burning heart of their new album. Slash Music takes you right into the eye of this emotional storm
“Whatever happens to me, I’ve seen it comin’. There is no running from it” – Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado
A voice born for the blues
With a voice as raw as a whiskey-soaked midnight, Thorbjørn Risager has been captivating audiences since 2003, blending blues, soul, rock, and R&B into an irresistible, full-bodied sound. Backed by The Black Tornado, a band known for its explosive horns, tight rhythms, and swampy riffs, Risager embodies the very soul of contemporary blues. The band’s lineup includes Emil Balsgaard on keys, Joachim Svensmark and Peter Skjerning on guitars, Kasper Wagner on saxophone, Hans Nybo on tenor, Trommeslager Martin Seidelin on drums, and Søren Bøjgaard on bass. Their synergy has powered stages from Europe to India, from Canada to the U.S. Whether you catch them in a small club or a festival storm, one thing is clear: when the Tornado hits, it leaves a mark.
« House of Sticks »: the album that shakes the walls
Released in January 2025 via Provogue Records, « House of Sticks » is the band’s ninth studio album, and perhaps their boldest yet. The record navigates the fragile structures we build around ourselves, only to see them bend and break under pressure. Alongside the title track, the album features gritty standouts like « Already Gone » and the soulful « Light of Your Love », each showcasing the band’s masterful command of dynamics and storytelling. With its cinematic atmosphere and unshakable grooves, the album is already lighting up stages across Europe, as the band plays nearly the entire tracklist live during their tour. And judging by the crowd reactions, this House won’t be falling anytime soon.
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