
Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun
I’m excited to present “Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun (Underworld),” the standout seventh piece from my upcoming album, which is a creative interpretation of the Hero’s Journey.
This track is a mesmerising blend of the past and present, set in a haunting minor key, reminiscent of the formidable spirit of Viking music as exemplified by Wardruna. It marries ancient drum rhythms with modern sonic landscapes, creating a tapestry that is both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly contemporary.
The composition unfolds over 4 minutes and 2 seconds in the brooding key of E minor, maintaining a steady rhythm at 120 BPM. It navigates through a landscape of emotions, predominantly dark yet laced with undercurrents of energy and aggression. This complexity is subtly balanced with traces of upliftment and happiness, crafting an intense yet multifaceted emotional palette.
Instrumentally, “Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun (Underworld)” features a thoughtful use of electric guitar, complemented by the consistent presence of percussion and synth. This blend results in a rich, layered auditory experience. The track’s emotional depth is further enhanced by its predominantly dark tone, delivered with a controlled and steady expression, and juxtaposed with a high energy level and dynamic energy.
This piece is not just a song; it’s a journey that connects the listener to the ancient world of Vikings while remaining firmly anchored in the present. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to convey complex emotions and stories, making “Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun (Underworld)” a strong addition to both my album and the Ambient genre.
If “Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun (Underworld)” resonates with you, I invite you to join me on this musical odyssey. Your support is invaluable in bringing this narrative to life and sharing it with a broader audience.
You can help by streaming the track, sharing it on social media, or simply telling friends about the journey we’re on together. Every play, share, and conversation helps to open new doors and break new ground. Thank you for being a part of this adventure.
If you love Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun or THISISGRAEME Music
- FOLLOW my artist profile on Spotify: By following me on Spotify, you’ll stay updated on my latest releases, playlists, and musical endeavours. Your support on this platform is invaluable in boosting my visibility.
- SUBSCRIBE on Youtube: Join my YouTube channel to access exclusive content, music videos, live performances, and behind-the-scenes footage. Subscribing helps me expand my reach on this influential platform.
- SHARE the track on your social media channels: Spread the word about my music by sharing your favorite track from the album on your social media platforms. Your shares and recommendations go a long way in introducing my music to new listeners.
- ADD the track to your playlists on Spotify or YouTube: Curate your own playlists and include my songs as part of your music collection. Adding my tracks to your playlists increases their discoverability and introduces my music to a wider audience.
- STREAM the track on your favorite platform: Listen to my album on your preferred streaming platform, whether it’s Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or any other platform of your choice. Every stream counts and contributes to the growth of my music.
Listen to Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun
On Spotify below or here on YouTube
This is the 7th track in an album I’m working on this year that follows my interpretation of the Hero’s Journey. The Hero’s Journey is a classic storytelling framework that has been used for centuries, and I’ve always found it to be a powerful metaphor for personal growth and transformation.
It represents the Hero’s descent into the underworld, a pivotal moment of self-confrontation and transformation symbolised by the runes Hagal and Hagalaz. As the Hero faces his shadow amidst the echoes of a Viking choir, this song is a journey through fear and anticipation, culminating in a cathartic release.
You can listen to the work in progress playlist here:
Each track on the album will explore a different aspect of the journey, from the call to adventure to the ultimate transformation and return. If you missed it, your introduction to the Hero’s Journey is here.
Men of Thunder and the Shining Sun continues journey, setting the tone for what’s to come. I can’t wait to share more with you as the album progresses, and I hope you’ll join me on this adventure.
But don’t forget to check out my other music. You can follow me on Spotify and Instagram, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for updates on new releases.
Thanks for listening and supporting independent music!
Discover new music
If you like this track you might also like these ones also by THISISGRAEME Music:
- No One At The Wheel on Spotify below or here on YouTube.
- Habanera Hustle on Spotify or here on YouTube.
20 Albums in 20 Years
I’m just getting started, but I would be grateful for your support on this project. My goal is to release 20 albums of original music in the next 20 years or so.
It’s a lofty goal, but I’m excited to embark on this journey and see where it takes me. Each album will be a reflection of my personal growth and experiences as an artist at the time it gets released. I hope that my music will resonate with listeners and inspire them in their own journeys.
Album 4/20 – The Mixer is the Elixir
On Spotify or here on YouTube
Album 3/20 – Experiments Including Friends
On Spotify or here on YouTube
Album 2/20 – Elevator Music for the 0.01%
On Spotify or here on YouTube
Album 1/20 – Before the Comet (BTC)
On Spotify or here on YouTube
In addition to the music, I’m also excited to share my creative process and insights into my craft. As a teacher, I believe in the power of education and sharing knowledge, and I hope to provide valuable resources and tips over the process.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more of my music and insights with you in the future. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming releases and more exciting projects.
Discography
If you enjoyed any of this, then please head over to my music page and check out the rest of my tunes including links to other music platforms.
Bio
THISISGRAEME is the stage name of Graeme Smith, a musician and maker of cool things from New Zealand. His music is a blend of downtempo vintage-sounding synthesizers, world music influences, ambient melodies, rock and roll energy, and of course, drum and bass beats.
Inspired by his interpretation of the Hero’s Journey, he’s currently working on releasing 20 albums of original music over the next 20 years. Despite streaming audio being a terrible deal for independent artists, he continues to share his work with people all around the world, and is always grateful for any support he receives

Kia ora! Hey, I'd love to know what you think.