Sorcerer (2017) The Crowning of the Fire King 'Review'

Band: Sorcerer

Country of Origin: Sweden

Genre: Epic Doom metal

Type: Full Length

Format: Digital 320 kbps
Length Approx.: 01:11:00 min.

Release Date: 10-20-2017

Release Label: Metal Blade Records

IR Classification: Excellent (4.6 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

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Excellent Epic Doom metal, no complaints allow.

Sorcerer is simply like a fine wine, you gather the best ingredients, crush them, leave them to ferment, extrude the mixture and let it blend and age, bottle up and finally enjoy a unique mixture of twenty-five years of aging, that's how Sorcerer can be compared, only as the finest bands within the genre, you just can't skip "The Crowning of the Fire King".

Is very rare that I pick two Epic Doom metal albums within a short period of time, as I picked already Forsaken and their album "Pentateuch" and I'm sure I didn't go wrong with them, but neither will I go wrong with Sorcerer and "The Crowning of the Fire King", because it excels in all the ways you want to see this album, the songwriting is stunning, I can't point anything negative about it, the vocals surpass way beyond my expectatives, the length of the album doesn't turn into a boredom and they always managed to keep you engaged at listening, it never let you get away, So! yes... this definitely is a excellent album.

"The Crowning of the Fire King" contains ten tracks of varied tunes that are easy to classify in three groups the opener cut "Sirens", Abandoned by the Gods" and "Crimson Cross" belong to the energetic tracks with such vehemence, then we have "Ship of Doom", the self title track "The Crowning of the Fire King", "Unbearable Sorrow" and "Disciples of the Dark" with a very accentuated Epic Doom metal sound, down tempo with an excellent guitar work a majestic vocal work to sing along with Engberg and last we have "The Devil's Incubus", "Crimson Cross" and "Bringer of Misery" these tracks fits more into a melodic scheme with catchy choruses; Also we can't skip "Nattvaka" the acoustic interlude that's simple but dominant; So everything here exceeds what you're looking for, it is not necessary to say it, but Sorcerer has consolidated with this as their second work.

I would say that Sorcerer has establish their own brand of Epic Doom metal with their sophomore work, a very distinctive sound that allow them to be apart and dig up their own legacy, an album that will surely reach more than just one list of the top ten of 2017, they sure will have a place in ours!

Stay True... Stay Metal... Stay Brutal...

Track List:

01. Sirens

02. Ship of Doom
03. Abandoned by the Gods
04. The Devil's Incubus
05. Nattvaka
06. Crimson Cross
07. The Crowning of the Fire King
08. Unbearable Sorrow

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Forsaken (2017) Pentateuch 'Review'

Band: Forsaken

Country of Origin: Malta

Genre: Epic Doom metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD Digipak
Length Approx.: 55:00 min.

Release Date: 10-13-2017

Release Label: Mighty Music

IR Classification: Good (3.8 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

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Another Gem to the crown of Doom metal

During the week been busy writing some other different topics than music, for or without any particular reason "Pentateuch" the fifth album of the Maltese Doom metal masters Forsaken was really played often, on my music player, the magic riffs infused in their melodic formula ended up captivating my attention and dragged me down to old memories and it was inevitable to compare to what I consider the trident of Epic Doom metal, the Swedish Candlemass, the American Solitude Aeturnus and the British act Solstice, because is exactly what you are about to find out here a classic and epic album in the purest vein of Doom metal.

In fact, I could tell you that they are contemporaries of the aforementioned bands and maybe because of their geographical location, the Nineties were not so easy for them, the lack of promotion, distribution and the proliferating Black metal scene were adverse factors for them, however the time, conviction and persistence have managed to mount another gem, to the crown of Epic Doom metal.

"Phaneros (Coming to Light)" an anthemic opener for "Serpent Bride", the riff that kicks off it takes some middle eastern influence, or at least I perceive that, eventually the track builds up with strength and personality the vocals by Leo Stivala reach the right pitch, creating an an special vibe, next is "The Banishment" honestly I'm not quite sure why they use this short track or prelude just right before "Primal Wound", whatever they tried to do didn't work for me, but I can tell you "Primal Wound" is powerful the riff is not over elaborate, allowing the bass take its moment with a bombastic drum execution, that makes this of the best tracks of the album, "The Dove and The Raven" opt to explore a more slower pace putting aside for a moment those epic passages, the backing vocals contrast a little to nothing with high pitch and energetic vocals of Stivala, "Decalogue" seems to be the obliged track that fills out any Doom metal work. I struggled managing listening to it, because the lack of engaging riffs and we are almost barely passed half way of this album, will be a good or bad omen? well "Sabaoth (The Law Giver)" shall end with the doubt, incorporating a closer approach to the NWOBHM more variables, catchy riff and a drum set that's invigorated and delivering an enjoyable guitar solo by Sean Vokovic, the last track is, "Apocryphal Winds" which barely go over the fifteen minutes mark, plenty of doomy passages with memorable melodies and choruses that melds just fine all together and brings a sad feeling, however after minute eleven all the sudden awakes and begin to shift everything around creating an emotional chaos.

After several listening to "Pentateuch" I can confirm what I stated at the beginning this is a another gem to the crown of Doom metal, regardless of the low moments offered and disconcerting ending, the album is more than that by itself it explores a wide variety within the genre, I cannot label them with an excellent work but certainly they achieve a good enough work after more than eight years out of the recording studio, lovers of Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus and Solstice, Please! do yourself a favor and go grab this album, you won't regret it.

Stay True... Stay Metal... Stay Brutal...

Track List:

01. Phaneros (Coming to Light)

02. Serpent Bride
03. The Banishment
04. Primal Wound
05. The Dove and The Raven
06. Decalogue
07. Sabaoth (The Law Giver)
08. Apocryphal Winds

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