There are songs that blow up overnight, and then there are songs like My Design by Thornhill—tracks that quietly exist in their own world, waiting for the right listener to press play and get completely swept away. If you’ve never heard of Thornhill, you’re not alone—but that’s exactly the problem. This Australian band has been crafting some of the most cinematic, emotionally charged alternative metal in recent years, and My Design is one of their finest, most overlooked gems.
Released under the 2018 EP Butterfly, My Design is a standout track that somehow feels both massive and weightless. It’s not just good—it’s the kind of song that makes you pause what you’re doing, close your eyes, and float.
Want to hear what I’m talking about?
The song was officially released via Epitaph Records on February 16, 2018, and written by guitarist Ethan McCann and frontman Jacob Charlton. These two clearly understand how to tap into something deeper—something textured and emotional without relying on clichés or gimmicks. The chorus alone is one of the most soaring, emotionally resonant moments in modern metalcore, with Charlton’s vocals lifting the entire song into another dimension. It’s not an exaggeration to say it feels like floating.
Thornhill’s Butterfly EP, released before their full-length rise with The Dark Pool (2019) and Heroine (2022), was a raw and ambitious statement. It blends melodic metalcore with alternative and progressive elements, and My Design is the centerpiece that ties it all together. There’s a clarity in this track, a sense of precision both sonically and emotionally, that sets it apart from the noise.
Even though My Design has racked up over 37,000 YouTube views as of now, that number barely scratches the surface of what this track deserves. This is a song that should be in the millions—no question. Thornhill is not a band that’s out here begging for attention, but it’s criminal how underrated they still are outside of Australia’s alt scene.
To understand just how dialed in these guys are, here’s what makes My Design click:
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The atmospheric guitar layering doesn’t just set a mood—it builds a world.
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The drum work is tight, crisp, and dynamic, never overwhelming but always pushing forward.
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Jacob Charlton’s vocal control is unreal—smooth in the verses, soaring in the chorus, never forced.
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And that chorus? Instant replay. You don’t just hear it. You feel it.
Here’s what people are missing: Thornhill isn’t trying to mimic anyone. They’ve carved their own sound—clean, mature, and cinematic. They don’t lean into trends; they’re crafting moods. If you like Deftones, Northlane, Loathe, or Karnivool, Thornhill belongs in your rotation yesterday.
The band’s presence online is slowly growing. Their official YouTube channel currently has just over 20,000 subscribers, but you can tell the fans they do have are loyal. And rightly so. The visual direction, production quality, and creative consistency Thornhill puts out is top-tier for a band this early in their career.
If you’re just now discovering Thornhill, My Design is the ideal starting point. It’s accessible without being basic, emotional without being overdone, and powerful without relying on heavy breakdowns or technical showboating. It’s just smart songwriting, dialed-in production, and authentic emotion.
They might not be viral, but Thornhill is one of the most promising and exciting bands in modern alt-metal. And My Design is proof that sometimes the best songs aren’t sitting at the top of the charts—they’re waiting in the shadows, ready to knock you out when you least expect it.
Don’t sleep on this. Let the chorus hit. Let the guitars carry you. And then, hit replay.
Support the Band:
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Epitaph Records – Their label
Real talent doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it whispers—and My Design is the quiet masterpiece that deserves your full attention.