‘Death Rolls Like Thunder’ uses the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, as its setting, drawing on the historic battle to tell a story about resistance in the face of seemingly inevitable defeat. The song casts the forces of greed, ego, and inhumanity as the devil riding in on a pale horse, his army following. Death and destruction appear before the tables turn and the riders who have come to conquer are defeated.

“The battle is an example from our own history about the power of a people defending their land and their right to remain,” Marks explains. “It’s a reminder of people throughout history who have fought against the undoing of their world. People who have found ways to hold on, to resist, to rebuild. Remembering these stories feels so important today, to remind us that we have that same power.”

That refusal to surrender in the face of uncertainty extends throughout Hell Or High Water. Marks leans further into the blues than ever before on the album, drawing on the gospel, country soul, and rock n’ roll traditions that have long shaped her music. Produced by and co-written with longtime collaborator Justin Phipps, the record emerged from a period of enormous personal change; in 2024, Marks’ 29-year marriage ended amicably, and shortly afterward, she began her journey with sobriety.

Across the album, she moves through loss, uncertainty, injustice, grief, and personal struggle while holding fiercely to hope, healing, and freedom. “Hell Or High Water is an album about resilience, healing, freedom, and choosing hope in the face of pain,” Marks explains. “These songs acknowledge the darkness without surrendering to it. I find comfort in nature, music, community, faith, memory, and the simple moments that bring me back to myself.”

Hell Or High Water:

1. Ain’t Nobody Gonna Bring Me Down
2. It’s Alright
3. Ease My Mind
4. Death Rolls Like Thunder
5. Sweet Mama’s Blues
6. I’ve Got A Feeling
7. Reaper Blues
8. Hell Or High Water Bound To Roam
9. Freedom

The post Miko Marks announces new LP Hell Or High Water with bluesy lead single ‘Death Rolls Like Thunder’ appeared first on She Makes Music.