CRYPTIC SERMON "The Ruins of Fading Light"



CRYPT SERMON

"The Ruins of Fading Light"

I am glad to see that CRYPT SERMON's first record "Out of the Garden" was no fluke. "The Ruins of Fading Light" continues with more epic doom metal that is so pure it is almost painful. This is very much in the classic vein of CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETURNUS and other such icons of the epic doom sound. There's no sludge or stoner influence to mar the sonic marble of this cryptic monument. The music is drenched in Gothic melody, including just the right amount of keys and even monk-like vocal sounds. It really does sound like heavy metal composed during the days of medieval cathedrals...

As such, there are no real surprises to be found here and that is quite alright, because there's never a ton of epic doom around anyway.I can't say that CRYPT SERMON has "progressed" from "Out of the Garden", but neither have they regressed. Here we have 7 proper songs mixed with three brief instrumentals/soundscapes. These smaller tunes add greatly to the atmosphere and justify their inclusion.As for the "main" tracks, expect ponderous CANDLEMASS-ian doom with clean vocals, weeping guitar solos and the occasional burst of chugging aggression. In fact, "Christ Is Dead" and "The Snake Handler" both have quite the powerful forward thrust to them. Vocalist Brooks Wilson has a thin, clean voice that works here, but it must be said he doesn't have the resonant tones of a Messiah Marcolin or Robert Lowe.

This is one of those bands that produces something pure and powerful that rises above the pitfalls of genre worship. If it is the doleful melody of doom ye seek, thy quest has ended in the ruins of fading light...


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