Hubbry Logo
Valient ThorrValient ThorrMain
Open search
Valient Thorr
Community hub
Valient Thorr
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Valient Thorr
Valient Thorr
Valient Thorr
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Valient Thorr is an American hard rock/heavy metal band from Greenville, North Carolina.[1] The name of the band is based on the urban legend of Valiant Thor, an Alien which came from Venus to Earth. Valient explained, "That'll be the background for the band! We're from space ..."[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Valient Thorr began playing together in 2000. Their first show was on Easter of 2001. They released two demos, "Raw" and "We Come From The Morning Star". Following the demos, Valient Thorr self-released their first album on July 1, 2003 (only pressing 1000 copies which were sold at shows), Stranded on Earth, which had the same musical setup as present, but one of the guitarist, Jin Thorr, used a keyboard, 'ic. They packed hometown shows all over North Carolina and at their local favorite venue Kings Barcade. They did their first major tour of the United States and Canada shortly afterward, doing 47 shows in 52 days.

After replacing original drummer Donn Thorr with current drummer Lucian Thorr and ditching the keyboard entirely live and on release, they were soon signed to Volcom Entertainment, where their full-length album Total Universe Man was released on June 7, 2005. At that point, upon completion of several master's degrees, the group members gave up their regular jobs and set out on the road. They performed on the Volcom stage on the Warped Tour 2005, for the entire tour, except for a few shows where they played the main stage. They continued touring, taking only six days off for Thanksgiving and ten for Christmas. Along the way, they lost their original rhythm guitarist, Jjinn Thorr, and replaced him with Bjorn Thorr to finish off the end of the year. They played in Hawaii with Andrew WK and then began 2006 by going on tour with Hot Rod Circuit and Piebald. After his departure, Eiden Thorr took Jjinn's old position at shows, moving from Stage Right (the position he held since the band's inception) to Stage Left.

In February 2006, they stopped briefly in Costa Mesa, California, to write the follow-up to Total Universe Man.

After Bjorn Thorr's brief stint, guitarist Odinn Thorr was asked to join the band. On July 11, 2006, they released their follow-up album, Legend of the World. They toured the entire Warped Tour again for the summer of 2006 playing the Volcom Stage, with the exception of a few main stage slots, including the hometown stop in Raleigh, where they closed out the night after NOFX and AFI on one of the two mainstages to a packed crowd. They continued to tour throughout 2006, including a tour with Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Eagles of Death Metal, and ending the year touring with Gogol Bordello. Valient Thorr played 272 shows in 2006. Taking no time off for Thanksgiving in 2006, and only two days for Christmas, they drove back to California to play New Year's Eve at the Viper Room in Hollywood. In January 2007 Odinn Thorr was replaced by Voiden Thorr (guitarist for Texas metal duo Golden Axe). Valient Thorr continued to tour right through 2007, beginning with a four-month tour with Fu Manchu. They did two months in the US, and then traveled overseas for the first time, playing Europe, the UK, and Scandinavia. They returned home, and co-headlined the very first Volcom Tour with labelmates the Riverboat Gamblers. They ended the year by returning to Germany to tour with Motörhead for three weeks, and then returned home without a day off to do three weeks with the Sword. Valient Thorr wrote the follow-up to "Legend of the World" in Costa Mesa, which was produced by Jack Endino and recorded by him in Seattle. It was named "Immortalizer", and was Valient Thorr's fourth album in five years. It was released on June 17, 2008.

The song "Fall of Pangea" is an unlockable song in the video game Guitar Hero II. "Heatseeker" was featured in Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory and is used as a song track in the racing video game Need for Speed: Carbon.[3][4] The song "Man Behind the Curtain" appeared in Skate.[5] The song "Double Crossed" was used as a radio track in the video game The Crew.

In late May 2008, Valient Himself donated his kidney to his diabetic father.[6] Three weeks after recovering from the surgery Valient Himself and the band returned to Europe and played their biggest shows, including the Download Festival in Donington and Graspop in June 2008. They continued to tour Europe that summer and returned home to tour with Early Man, Monotonix, and Skeletonwitch and then again in the fall with Motorhead, the Misfits, Year Long Disaster, and ASG on the Volcom Tour 2008.

On November 11, 2008, Valient Thorr released In Heat, a feature-length documentary about the last five years on the road. They also played ECFU Turbojugend Fest in Atlanta on Halloween 2008, The Fest in Gainesville, Florida, in November, and toured Hawaii in December. On January 30, 2009, they did a set for a local charity playing as Funkadelic in Raleigh, North Carolina. On February 5 they played in East River Park with Anthrax for Red Bull's Snowscraper Event. On March 7, they played the Harvest of Hope Fest in St. Augustine, Florida, and toured the US out to SXSW 2009. In June 2009, they went back to Europe, touring with Mastodon in the UK and Paris and headlining all over western Europe. At this time, guitarist Voiden Thorr left the group being replaced by Sadat Thorr (James Yopp), former guitarist/founding member of another North Carolina–based rock band Thunderlip. In the fall, Thorr toured the US again with Early Man and Red Fang. In November and December, they went back to Europe again to play in Scandinavia and eastern Europe.

In January 2010, Valient Thorr announced they would record their fifth album with Jack Endino. In February 2010, they began recording and it was announced that Valient Thorr would be supporting Mastodon on their US headlining tour throughout March and into April. September 2010, they released "Stranger" and continued with a slew of headlining tours to promote the record.

In early 2011, Valient Thorr and Clutch were announced as the supporting acts for Motörhead's 2011 North American tour in support of The Wörld Is Yours.

In January 2013 they entered the studio with producer Kyle Spense of Harvey milk to record their sixth record Our Own Masters. It was released in June of that year.

Members

[edit]
  • Herbie "VALIENT HIMSELF" Abernethy – vocals (2000–present)
  • Bennie "EIDAN THORR" Powell – guitars (2001–present)
  • Tyler "DR. PROFESSOR NITEWOLF STRANGEES" Wolf – bass (2000–2014, 2018–present)
  • Pete "DEIMOS THORR" Macy – guitars (2015–present)
  • Chris "IGGY THORR" Sample – drums (2015–present)
  • Jason "LUCIAN THORR" Aylward – drums (2003–2015, 2018–present)

Inactive members

[edit]
  • James "SADAT THORR" Yopp
  • Jeff "DONN THORR" Haswell
  • Ryan "JJINN THORR" Price
  • Brandon "BJORN THORR" Hoy
  • Mark "ODINN THORR" Maxwell
  • Storm "STORM THORR" Castaneda
  • Warren "VOIDEN THORR" Hatfield[7]

Discography

[edit]
Title Release date Label
Stranded on Earth July 1, 2003 Self-released
Total Universe Man June 7, 2005 Volcom Entertainment
Legend of the World July 11, 2006 Volcom Entertainment
Immortalizer June 17, 2008 Volcom Entertainment
In Heat (DVD) November 4, 2008 Volcom Entertainment
Stranger September 14, 2010 Volcom Entertainment
Beast with a Billion Eyes February 27, 2012 Volcom Entertainment
Our Own Masters June 18, 2013[8] Volcom Entertainment
Old Salt July 29, 2016[9] Napalm Records

Television appearances

[edit]
  • Fuse TV, Warped Tour special (behind the scenes)
  • G4 TV, Attack of the Show! (performance)
  • Warped: Inside and Out (six episode show on Fuse) – four episodes (performance, and behind the scenes, narration)
  • Game Head, episode from The Warped Tour
  • Daily Habit, episode on Fuel TV
  • Fuel TV, episode of Check 1,2

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Valient Thorr

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Valient Thorr is an American heavy metal and hard rock band formed in 2001 in , renowned for their energetic live performances, dual-guitar attack, and a fictional backstory portraying the members as Venusian space travelers who crash-landed on Earth in 1957. Led by frontman Herbie "Valient Himself" Abernethy on vocals since the band's inception, Valient Thorr draws influences from classic rock acts like , , and , blending them with urgency and southern metal grit to create a high-octane sound often described as "rock 'n' roll with Pentecostal fervor." The core lineup has evolved over the years, with consistent members including guitarist Bennie "Eidan Thorr" Powell and bassist Tyler "Dr. Professor Nitewolf Strangees" Wolf, alongside rotating guitarists and drummers such as Pete "Deimos Thorr" Macy and Jason "Lucian Thorr" Aylward. The band's discography spans over two decades, beginning with their debut Stranded on in 2003, which captured their early raw and space-themed lore, followed by key releases like Total Universe Man (2005), Legend of the World (2006), Immortalizer (2008), (2010), Beast with a Billion Eyes (2012), Our Own Masters (2013), and Old Salt (2016). Their music frequently explores themes of alienation, , and earthly struggles, shifting from interstellar narratives in early works to more grounded social commentary in later albums. Valient Thorr has built a dedicated following through relentless touring, including spots on the Vans Warped Tour and opening for acts like , with ongoing shows as recent as November 2024 and performances in 2025 at European festivals such as and Ruhrpott Rodeo. Despite lineup changes and independent releases on labels like Volcom Entertainment and , the band maintains their signature blend of heavy riffs, sci-fi mythology, and DIY ethos, marking over 20 years of activity as of 2025.

Formation and Concept

Origins and Inspiration

Valient Thorr's conceptual foundation is rooted in a fictional mythology portraying the band members as Venusian aliens who crash-landed on in , hailing from the of Burlatia on their home planet. This origin story serves as the core of their persona, blending with rock 'n' roll bravado to create an immersive narrative that permeates their music and performances. The band's lore claims they arrived to impart wisdom and energy to humanity through their art, adopting Earthly instruments and stages as temporary vessels while awaiting repair of their . The name "Valient Thorr" draws direct inspiration from the urban legend of Valiant Thor, a purported Venusian emissary who allegedly visited Earth in the 1950s, landing near Alexandria, Virginia, in 1957 and engaging with U.S. government officials to promote peace and warn against nuclear proliferation. According to accounts from that era, Thor resided at the Pentagon for three years, offering advanced knowledge before departing. Valient Himself, the band's vocalist and primary storyteller, has cited a television segment on this figure as the spark for their moniker, modifying "Valiant Thor" to "Valient Thorr" by adding an "e" to embed "alien" within "Valient" and doubling the "r" in "Thorr" as a nod to rock 'n' roll. This alteration not only honors the legend but reinforces the band's extraterrestrial rock identity. Formed in 2001 by Valient Himself and fellow core members in Greenville, North Carolina, before soon relocating to Chapel Hill, the band immediately embraced this sci-fi persona, with participants adopting "Thorr" as a shared surname—such as Eidan Thorr on guitar and others—to unify their Venusian collective. Their initial ethos was staunchly DIY, reflecting the resourcefulness of stranded interstellar travelers; they self-recorded two demos in 2001, "Raw" and "We Come From The Morning Star," capturing raw, high-energy tracks that echoed their mythical arrival. The band's debut live performance occurred on Easter Sunday, 2001, in Greenville, marking the public unveiling of their otherworldly rock mission to a local audience.

Early Development

Valient Thorr emerged from the underground music scene in , where the band formed in 2001 and began honing their sound through local performances in small venues and house shows. Drawing from the raw energy of the regional punk and metal communities, they navigated the challenges of the circuit, including frequent lineup adjustments as members came and went amid the demands of day jobs and limited resources. In July 2003, the band self-released their debut , Stranded on Earth, on the independent Venge Records label, pressing a limited run of 1,000 copies primarily sold at live shows to sustain their operations. Recorded and mixed by local producer John Plymale at Overdub Lane Studios in , the DIY production captured the band's high-octane blend of heavy rock and sci-fi themed riffs, with standout tracks like "Bigger Badder" and "Road of the Golden Gods" showcasing their energetic, riff-driven style. The album's release fueled initial tours across the Southeast , including shows at venues like Pirate Underground in Greenville in 2002 and Kings in Raleigh in late 2003, where they built a dedicated through intimate house parties and appearances at regional festivals. Financial constraints in Greenville's tight-knit but resource-scarce underground scene often meant relying on van tours and word-of-mouth promotion, yet these efforts solidified their reputation among local rock enthusiasts. By 2003–2004, Valient Thorr began gaining notice in niche publications, helping spread awareness beyond .

Musical Style and Themes

Genre Characteristics

Valient Thorr's music blends heavy metal, , and elements, featuring high-energy guitar riffs driven by dual guitarists who emphasize unison lines and melodic hooks reminiscent of classic southern rock ensembles. The band's sound is characterized by raw, unpolished production in their earlier works, rooted in and punk influences that prioritize infectious, straightforward energy over technical complexity. Over time, their style evolved toward a more refined heavy metal edge, incorporating tighter arrangements and broader sonic palettes while retaining the gritty foundation. Central to their sonic identity is the charismatic, preacher-like delivery of frontman Valient Himself, whose full-throated, speak-sing vocals convey a revivalist fervor that energizes fast-paced, party-anthem structures designed for communal live experiences. This vocal approach, often compared to early heavy metal icons, pairs with driving rhythms and riff-heavy compositions to create anthemic tracks that evoke relentless motion and rebellion. The band's influences draw heavily from foundational acts like for their boogie-infused rock 'n' roll drive, for hook-laden, high-octane aggression, and for darker, mid-tempo grooves and vocal timbre. These elements coalesce into a proto-metal hybrid that balances raw power with melodic accessibility, as noted in genre classifications from to heavy metal. Valient Thorr enhances this auditory profile through sci-fi aesthetics in album artwork and stage presence, where cosmic themes and theatrical visuals amplify the otherworldly, high-voltage atmosphere of their performances.

Lyrical Content and Influences

Valient Thorr's lyrics frequently explore recurring motifs of , extraterrestrial origins, social critique, and , all framed within a fictional Venusian that positions the band as interstellar emissaries from the city of Burlatia on . This lore draws directly from the of Valiant Thor, a purported Venusian visitor who allegedly arrived at in 1957 to warn humanity about and environmental destruction, offering advanced technology in exchange for peace. The band's songwriting uses this sci-fi backdrop to critique earthly issues, such as excessive and , as seen in tracks that decry materialism's hindrance to personal growth and warn against and economic debt. Philosophical undertones in their lyrics emphasize unity, peace, and the choice between positive and negative societal paths, often delivered through an outsider's perspective on human flaws. Influences from literature, particularly Robert A. Heinlein's works exploring and , inform this narrative depth, blending with calls for rebellion against oppressive systems. theories surrounding Valiant Thor's alleged encounters with government officials further shape the thematic framework, portraying the band as truth-tellers challenging ignorance and establishment control. Hedonistic elements appear as a counterbalance, promoting partying and rock 'n' roll as liberating forces amid critique, reflecting countercultural ideals of communal joy and resistance. Thematic progression across their work shows an evolution from overt rants against "the system" to more nuanced dialogues on global crises, exemplified by messages in songs like "," which urges casting off crutches of . Valient Thorr emphasizes live to convey these themes, transforming performances into immersive experiences where spontaneous rants and audience interaction amplify the lyrics' impact, fostering a sense of shared and enlightenment.

Career Milestones

Volcom Entertainment Era (2005–2013)

In 2005, Valient Thorr signed with Volcom Entertainment, marking a significant step in their career that enabled full-time touring and wider exposure. Their debut full-length album under the label, Total Universe Man, was released on June 7, 2005, and featured a raw blend of hard rock and punk influences that resonated with underground audiences. This release coincided with their debut on the Vans Warped Tour, where they performed alongside punk and metal acts, helping to establish their high-energy live reputation early on. The band's momentum continued with the release of Legend of the World on July 11, 2006, also via Volcom Entertainment, which captured their evolving sound amid relentless touring—performing an impressive 272 shows that year, including support slots with and the Blackhearts. Subsequent albums further solidified their catalog: Immortalizer arrived on June 17, 2008, produced at Studio Litho in , and reflected themes of resilience amid personal challenges. During this period, frontman Valient Himself made headlines by donating a to his father on April 29, 2008, postponing tour dates from April to June to undergo the procedure and raise awareness for the National Kidney Foundation; the successful transplant became a poignant personal intertwined with the album's promotion. Valient Thorr's era saw them embark on major tours that expanded their reach, including opening for Motörhead on their 2007 European dates and the 2011 "The Wörld Is Yours" North American tour alongside , as well as the 2008 Tour with the Misfits, Airbourne, and others. These outings, often shared with like-minded acts such as at festivals, cultivated a devoted fanbase known as the "Thorriors," with chapters forming across and to organize events and support the band's interstellar-themed mythology. In November 2008, the documentary In Heat was released on DVD through , offering behind-the-scenes footage of their road life, album recordings, and 2007 tours; the film significantly boosted their visibility, providing fans an intimate look at the band's non-stop ethos. The label partnership yielded additional releases, including Stranger on September 14, 2010, produced by and exploring introspective lyrics within their signature riff-driven style. In 2012, they issued the split 7-inch Speak in Tongues / Beast with a Billion Eyes with via Volcom's Vinyl Club, featuring the track "Beast with a Billion Eyes" as a high-octane single that previewed their maturing . The era concluded with Our Own Masters on June 18, 2013, recorded in , and emphasizing themes, marking the end of their primary deal with Volcom Entertainment after eight prolific years of output and national prominence.

Napalm Records and Recent Activities (2016–present)

In September 2015, Valient Thorr signed with , paving the way for their seventh studio album, Old Salt, released on July 29, 2016. The album introduced a stylistic , blending the band's signature high-energy rock with groovier rhythms, expansive arrangements, and themes emphasizing realism amid their longstanding extraterrestrial lore, creating a more mature sonic palette. Tracks like "Spellbroke" and "Worm Up" highlighted this shift through raw, blues-infused riffs and introspective lyrics that balanced gritty narratives with the group's irreverent humor. Post-2016, the band experienced a notable slowdown in output, marked by lineup adjustments and a focus on personal endeavors rather than frequent releases. No subsequent full-length albums have materialized under , allowing members to pursue side projects, including frontman Valient Himself's (Herbie Abernethy) solo effort Herbie Sings Again, a 2024 album chronicling introspective musical journeys through folk-tinged rock storytelling. This period also saw Valient Himself engage in activism, launching a 2017 crowdfunding campaign that raised funds to deliver essential supplies to Standing Rock protesters opposing the Dakota Access , underscoring the band's commitment to social causes beyond music. Touring resumed selectively in 2024 with U.S. performances, such as dates in , on September 29 and November 16, where the band delivered high-octane sets blending classics and newer material. Plans for a major 2025 European and UK tour, intended to celebrate their 21st anniversary as "Stranded on Earth" and including slots at festivals like , were ultimately cancelled due to unforeseen logistical challenges. As of November 2025, Valient Thorr maintains an active presence through sporadic domestic shows and ongoing creative explorations, though no new full-length albums have been announced, reflecting a deliberate pace in their post-peak career phase.

Band Members

Current Lineup

The current lineup of Valient Thorr as of 2025 features Valient Himself on vocals, Eidan Thorr on guitars, Deimos Thorr on guitars, Dr. Professor Nitewolf Strangees on bass, and Iggy Thorr on drums. Valient Himself (Herbie Abernethy) serves as the band's founding member and charismatic frontman, whose dynamic stage presence and persona are central to Valient Thorr's intergalactic rock identity (2001–present). Eidan Thorr (Bennie Powell) handles guitar duties as a long-standing member who joined early in the band's history and is recognized as a key contributor to the group's signature riffs (2001–present). Deimos Thorr (Pete Macy) plays guitar, having joined in 2015 to bolster the band's dual-guitar sound and energetic performances (2015–present). Dr. Nitewolf Strangees (Tyler ) provides bass, rejoining the band in 2018 after an earlier tenure from 2001–2014 (2001–2014, 2018–present). Iggy Thorr (Chris Sample) anchors the rhythm section on drums, delivering the propulsive beats that have driven the band's sound since 2015 (2015–present). The band occasionally uses live Land Phil (2022–present).

Former Members

Valient Thorr's lineup has evolved significantly since its formation in 2001, with numerous changes driven by touring commitments, personal circumstances, and shifts in the band's professional trajectory. These alterations reflect the demands of maintaining a high-energy live act while navigating label deals and creative directions. Donn Thorr (Jeff Haswell) served as the band's original drummer in the early 2000s, departing for personal reasons prior to the group's signing with Entertainment. Jin Thorr (Ryan Price) played guitars from 2001 to 2005, also contributing keyboards on early releases; he left shortly before the Volcom signing, marking an early pivot in the band's rhythm section. Bjorn Thorr (Brandon Hoy) was part of the lineup on guitars from 2005 to 2006, exiting after the band's first major tours. Odinn Thorr (Mark Maxwell) joined on bass in the mid-2000s, but was replaced in 2007 amid the intensifying demands of constant touring. Voiden Thorr (Warren Hatfield) handled guitars from 2008 to 2013, departing during the transitional period following the end of the Entertainment era. Thorr (Storm Castaneda) played bass from 2014 to 2018. Lucien Thorr (Jason Aylward) played drums from 2003 to 2015. Sadat Thorr (James Yopp) played guitars from 2009 to 2015.

Discography

Studio Albums

Valient Thorr's debut studio album, Stranded on Earth, was self-released on July 1, 2003, marking the band's raw introduction to their sci-fi infused sound. Recorded with a punk edge and limited production, the album features tracks like "" and "," which explore themes of alienation and cosmic displacement central to the band's mythology of Venusian origins. With only 1,000 copies pressed and sold at shows, it established their grassroots appeal among underground rock audiences. The band's breakthrough came with Total Universe Man, released on June 7, 2005, via Volcom Entertainment, which amplified their energetic style into full-length anthems suitable for high-octane live sets. Highlights include "Showdown" and "I Am the Law," blending heavy riffs with humorous, over-the-top lyrics that critics noted for their infectious energy and potential as crowd-pleasers. AllMusic praised the album as a "total album experience" filled with adrenaline-pumping intensity and lunacy, highlighting its blend of and punk influences. Legend of the World, issued on July 11, 2006, by Volcom Entertainment, expanded the band's sonic palette with longer compositions and a more ambitious arrangement, becoming a fan favorite that supported extensive touring. Key tracks such as "Heatseeker" and "Rezerection" showcase driving rhythms and guitar work reminiscent of classic , earning acclaim for its addictive, garage-ready riffs. Reviews from Sea of Tranquility described it as a "whirlwind listen" with surprising depth, solidifying Valient Thorr's reputation for fun, high-energy metal. In 2008, Immortalizer arrived on June 17 via Volcom Entertainment, representing a maturation in themes of and while benefiting from improved production quality that polished the band's raw edge. Standout songs like "The Sun" and "Gatecrasher" deliver mature, riff-heavy explorations of existential concepts, with Punknews.org lauding the album's entertaining flow and political undertones as superior to contemporary metal releases. The record's classic old-school feel was noted by reviewers for its honest fusion of '70s and punk, though some critiqued the vocal delivery. Stranger, Valient Thorr's fifth studio effort, was released on September 14, 2010, by Entertainment, incorporating experimental elements like psychedelic touches produced by . Tracks such as "Gillionaire" and "Sleeper Awakes" push boundaries with intricate arrangements, receiving mixed reviews for their ambitious shifts—Lambgoat called it a potential catapult to headliner status, while others found the experimentation uneven. highlighted its solid foundation amid the risks, marking a pivotal evolution in the band's discography. Our Own Masters, the final Volcom album, came out on June 18, 2013, infusing political edge into songs like "Doubter's Prayer" and "The Woods," critiquing societal control through the band's signature lens. noted its shift toward a more conversational tone rather than preachy sermons, appreciating the spirited delivery. The album's mature songwriting and production were hailed as a strong capstone to their Volcom era. Switching labels, was released on July 29, 2016, by , adopting a reflective tone with tracks like "Mirakuru" and "No Count Blues" that blend introspection and the band's cosmic narrative. As their first Napalm outing, it achieved notable sales in its debut week and expanded their sound with longer, more varied compositions, earning praise from Metal Injection for demonstrating the band's versatility and capability. A 20th anniversary edition of the debut album Stranded on Earth was released on July 1, 2023.

EPs, Singles, and Compilations

Valient Thorr's early non-album releases include two self-released demos from 2001, "Raw" and "We Come from the Morning Star," which received limited distribution prior to the band's first full-length album. In 2008, the band issued In Heat: 5 Years on the Road with Valient Thorr, a DVD documentary through Volcom Entertainment that provides a candid behind-the-scenes look at their rock 'n' roll tours across the United States and internationally, running approximately 74 minutes. The band's singles output includes "Sailin' On" (2008, Volcom Entertainment), "Double Crossed" (2010, Volcom Entertainment, accompanied by an official music video directed by Bifocal Pictures), "Beast with a Billion Eyes" (2012, split 7" single with High on Fire, Volcom Entertainment), "Mirakuru" (2016, Napalm Records, with an official video), and "No Count Blues" (2016, Napalm Records). Valient Thorr has appeared on various compilations, particularly Entertainment samplers during their 2005–2013 tenure, such as "Sticks & Stones" on Amp Sampler Volume 15 (2005, Amp Magazine), "Tomorrow Police" on Entertainment Road-Rock Tested (2009, Entertainment), and "Beast with a Billion Eyes" on Entertainment Road-Tested Rock 2012 Sampler (2012, Entertainment). Additional contributions include "Goveruptcy" on (2007, ) and "I Hope the Ghosts of the Dead Haunt Your Soul Forever" on Razor: 15 Bone-Snapping Tracks! (2008, ). Under , they featured "Mirakuru" on Summer Highlights 2016 (2016). As of , Valient Thorr has not released any major EPs or additional significant non- singles or compilations since 2016.

Media and Performances

Television Appearances

Valient Thorr's television exposure has been concentrated in music-oriented programs and documentaries during their early career, providing key visibility within the rock and metal scenes. The band was prominently featured in Fuse TV's Warped: Inside and Out, a six-episode series chronicling the Vans , with appearances across four episodes that included live performances, behind-the-scenes segments, and band narration. Coverage highlighted their main stage slot at The Gorge in , debut of a new song from their Legend of the World, and interactions during tour events like the trailer trash party. They also performed on Fuel TV's Check 1,2, a half-hour music series that paired artists with extreme sports athletes for live sessions, appearing alongside figures like pro snowboarder Jamie Lynn in one of its Season 1 episodes. Additional behind-the-scenes footage from Fuse TV's specials further documented the band's high-energy presence on the touring circuit. No significant broadcast television appearances have occurred since , though clips from these earlier spots continue to circulate in online retrospectives as of 2025.

Tours and Live Reputation

Valient Thorr established a formidable presence in the U.S. rock scene through relentless touring in the mid-2000s, including a slot on the Vans where they performed on the Smartpunk stage alongside acts like A Change of Pace and . The band supported Motörhead on multiple outings, such as the 2007 European tour and the 2008 Tour in North America with Misfits and Airbourne (Airbourne dropped out early due to health reasons), and the 2011 tour with Motörhead and that spanned venues from to New York. Their grueling schedule peaked in 2006 with 272 performances, encompassing the full Vans and additional dates with artists like and the Blackhearts, often driving cross-country with minimal breaks. The band's international reach grew in the 2010s, with European and UK headline tours, including a 2012 run hitting London, Manchester, and Nottingham, as well as support slots like the 2009 UK and Paris dates with Mastodon. They maintained U.S. activity into recent years, playing select 2024 dates such as November 16 at Kings Barcade in Raleigh, North Carolina. Planned 2025 European and UK tours were canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, as announced by frontman Valient Himself; however, as of November 2025, the band plans a European return for the 21st anniversary of Stranded on Earth, though specific dates are pending. Valient Thorr's live shows are renowned for their high-energy, chaotic atmosphere, characterized by intense crowd interaction, frequent crowd-surfing by band members, and thematic sci-fi costumes that enhance their interstellar persona. This frenetic style fosters a sense of communal revelry, encouraging fans to embrace fun and mutual respect during performances. A dedicated fanbase known as the "Thorriors" has cultivated a tight-knit global community, organizing events and spreading the band's message through various channels, contributing to their enduring cult appeal. This loyalty shines at major festivals, where Valient Thorr has earned acclaim for explosive sets, including their 2008 appearance on the Gibson Stage and 2011 performance at in , . Such outings, often tied to album promotions like Immortalizer, underscore their reputation as a must-see live act in the heavy rock circuit.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1090942-Valient-Thorr
  2. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18175-valient-thorr-our-own-masters/
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/valient-thorr-mn0000627880
  4. https://valienthimself.bandcamp.com/album/stranded-on-earth-20th-anniversary
  5. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6rVaRHgldZoRMvERFyZmAH
  6. https://www.discogs.com/master/624188-Valient-Thorr-Total-Universe-Man
  7. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Valient_Thorr/3540266264
  8. https://www.facebook.com/valientthorr/
  9. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/valient-thorr--2
  10. https://myrockshows.com/band/2771-valient-thorr/
  11. https://blowthescene.com/interviews/valient-thorr-interview-exclusive.html
  12. https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/the-story-of-valiant-thor-visitor-from-venus/
  13. https://www.spin.com/2010/08/why-theyre-called-valient-thorr-mp3-exclusive/
  14. https://lessthanjake.fandom.com/wiki/Valient_Thorr
  15. https://indyweek.com/music/archives-music/five-songs-dude-valient-thorr-hits-decade-mark/
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/5433735-Valient-Thorr-Stranded-On-Earth
  17. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Valient_Thorr/Stranded_on_Earth/215369
  18. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/valient-thorr/events/2002-09-26/united-states/greenville/pirate-underground
  19. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/strange-the-loners-anderson-airplane-valient-thorr
  20. https://ironriot.blog/2015/09/
  21. https://www.angrymetalguy.com/valient-thorr-our-own-masters-review/
  22. https://outlawsofthesun.blogspot.com/2016/07/valient-thorr-old-salt-album-review.html
  23. https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/03/01/wilmington-music-venue-reggies-is-increasingly-diverse-place-to-take-in-a-rock-show/30994459007/
  24. https://ghostcultmag.com/valiant-thorr-our-own-masters/
  25. https://www.metalunderground.com/bands/details.cfm?bandid=5783&tab=news
  26. https://metal-temple.com/review/valient-thorr-old-salt/
  27. https://www.metalsucks.net/2010/09/14/exclusive-interview-with-valient-himself-valient-thorrs-frontman-shares-his-beliefs-with-vince-neilstein/
  28. https://open.spotify.com/track/3gm8uaMgJpVVnSMwiAAdB4
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/6920958-Valient-Thorr-Total-Universe-Man
  30. https://www.discogs.com/master/368466-Valient-Thorr-Immortalizer
  31. https://www.dirtyskunks.org/bandinfo/valientthorr.html
  32. https://www.spin.com/2008/03/valient-thorr-frontman-donate-kidney-postpones-shows/
  33. https://bravewords.com/news/valient-thorr-leader-successfully-donates-kidney
  34. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/motorhead-clutc/
  35. https://www.thrashermagazine.com/articles/music-interviews/volcom-tour/
  36. https://www.avclub.com/valient-thorr-and-the-thorriors-make-good-on-the-fan-cl-1798230256
  37. https://blabbermouth.net/news/valient-thorr-to-release-in-heat-dvd-in-november
  38. https://www.discogs.com/master/396625-Valient-Thorr-Stranger
  39. https://www.metalsucks.net/2012/02/27/exclusive-premiere-valient-thorr-beast-with-a-billion-eyes/
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/4693799-Valient-Thorr-Our-Own-Masters
  41. https://www.theprp.com/2015/09/29/news/valient-thorr-sign-with-napalm-records/
  42. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/valient-thorr-old-salt-album-review
  43. https://avenoctum.com/2016/07/28/valient-thorr-old-salt-napalm/
  44. https://rvamag.com/music/valient-himself-sings-again.html
  45. https://www.metalsucks.net/2017/02/09/valient-thorrs-valient-himself-is-raising-money-to-take-supplies-to-standing-rock-protestors/
  46. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJU3xiJJ9CC/
  47. https://tuonelamagazine.com/new-additions-and-adjustments-in-the-resurrection-fest-2025-line-up/
  48. https://www.songkick.com/artists/325769-valient-thorr
  49. https://www.metalkingdom.net/band/valient-thorr-23660
  50. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/valient-thorr
  51. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/124732-Valient-Thorr
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/12458137-Valient-Thorr-Total-Universe-Man
  53. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/valient-thorr/total-universe-man/
  54. https://www.allmusic.com/album/total-universe-man-mw0000656283
  55. https://www.allmusic.com/album/legend-of-the-world-mw0000748220
  56. https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Valient_Thorr/Legend_of_the_World/215371/
  57. https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=3844
  58. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Valient_Thorr/Immortalizer/215373
  59. https://www.punknews.org/review/8191/valient-thorr-immortalizer
  60. http://www.metalobsession.net/2008/09/24/valient-thorr-immortalizer/
  61. https://www.discogs.com/release/3226739-Valient-Thorr-Stranger
  62. https://lambgoat.com/albums/2897/valient-thorr-stranger/
  63. https://www.allmusic.com/album/stranger-mw0002022445
  64. https://metalstorm.net/bands/discography.php?band_id=5651&bandname=Valient_Thorr
  65. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Valient_Thorr/Old_Salt/583538
  66. https://metalinsider.net/columns/metal-by-numbers/metal-by-numbers-810-the-science-of-album-sales
  67. https://metalinjection.net/reviews/valient-thorr-old-salt
  68. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/Valient-Thorr/1964/
  69. https://www.discogs.com/release/9459597-Valient-Thorr-In-Heat-5-Years-On-The-Road-With-Valient-Thorr
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDvYdQNEgmw
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPZKLDY4fo0
  72. https://www.discogs.com/release/3429346-High-On-Fire-Valient-Thorr-Speak-In-Tongues-Beast-With-A-Billion-Eyes
  73. https://www.discogs.com/release/13307279-Various-Volcom-Entertainment-Road-Rock-Tested-
  74. https://www.discogs.com/release/5333583-Various-Volcom-Entertainment-Road-Tested-Rock-2012-Sampler
  75. https://www.discogs.com/release/8997866-Various-Napalm-Records-Summer-Highlights-2016
  76. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPoFTf1ZqJM
  77. https://fuel.tv/browse/series/check-1-2/season-1
  78. https://warped-tour.fandom.com/wiki/Warped_Tour_2005
  79. https://www.readjunk.com/news/music/valient-thorr-touring-with-motorhead-in-germany/
  80. https://dothebay.com/artists/valient-thorr/past_events
  81. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBi4qBbhg5o
  82. https://bravewords.com/news/valient-thorr-to-open-up-for-mastodon-in-the-uk/
  83. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/valient-thorr-5bd4bbb8.html
  84. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJU3xiJJ9CC/?hl=en
  85. https://www.sozconcerts.com/nl/band/189/valient-thorr/
  86. https://rabbitsblack.com/concert-review-valient-thorr-barbarella-318-sxsw
  87. https://www.setlist.fm/festival/2008/download-festival-2008-73d6bea9.html
  88. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/valient-thorr/2011/val-de-moine-clisson-france-53d30b75.html
  89. https://en.concerts-metal.com/concert_-_Download_Festival_2008-5793.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.