Album Review: Crypt Sermon – The Stygian Rose

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Glimmers in the Underworld
Track 2: Thunder (Perfect Mind)
Track 3: Down in the Hollow
Track 4: Heavy Is the Crown of Bone
Track 5: Scrying Orb
Track 6: The Stygian Rose

🎸 Album Review:
Crypt Sermon’s sophomore album, ‘The Stygian Rose,’ is a powerful and immersive journey through the depths of doom metal, showcasing the band’s growth and maturity since their debut release. With a blend of epic melodies, crushing riffs, and haunting vocals, the album delves into themes of darkness, mysticism, and introspection, creating a captivating sonic experience that will leave listeners in awe.

The opening track, “Glimmers in the Underworld,” sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric intro that gradually builds into a cascade of heavy guitars and thunderous drums. Frontman Brooks Wilson’s emotive vocals soar over the intricate guitar work, creating a sense of both melancholy and grandeur. The track serves as a perfect introduction to the band’s sound, combining elements of traditional doom metal with hints of progressive and epic metal influences.

“Thunder (Perfect Mind)” follows with its dynamic shifts between brooding verses and explosive choruses. The track showcases Crypt Sermon’s ability to create tension and release, with each section building upon the last to create a truly epic listening experience. The intricate guitar solos and powerful drumming add layers of complexity to the song, further enhancing its impact.

One of the standout tracks on the album is “Heavy Is the Crown of Bone,” a sprawling epic that clocks in at over ten minutes. The track showcases Crypt Sermon’s songwriting prowess, as they seamlessly blend doom-laden riffs with moments of melodic beauty. Wilson’s vocals reach new heights on this track, conveying a sense of sorrow and longing that is truly captivating. The band’s ability to craft such a long and engaging song without losing the listener’s interest is a testament to their musical skill.

“Scrying Orb” offers a more introspective moment on the album, with its haunting melodies and ethereal atmosphere. The track explores themes of divination and introspection, drawing the listener into a trance-like state with its hypnotic rhythms and mesmerizing vocals. The subtle use of acoustic guitars adds a layer of texture to the song, creating a sense of depth and complexity.

The title track, “The Stygian Rose,” serves as the culmination of the album, bringing together all of the elements that make Crypt Sermon such a compelling band. The track is a tour de force of doom metal, with its crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and epic atmosphere. The band’s ability to create such a grandiose and immersive sound is truly impressive, and it solidifies ‘The Stygian Rose’ as a standout release in the world of modern metal.

In comparison to their debut album, ‘The Ruins of Fading Light,’ ‘The Stygian Rose’ showcases a more refined and focused approach to songwriting. While their debut was an impressive introduction to the band’s sound, ‘The Stygian Rose’ takes their music to new heights, with more complex arrangements, richer melodies, and a greater sense of cohesion throughout the album. Crypt Sermon have truly come into their own with this release, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of doom metal.

Overall, ‘The Stygian Rose’ is a stunning achievement that solidifies Crypt Sermon’s place as one of the most exciting bands in the doom metal scene. With its epic compositions, haunting atmosphere, and powerful vocals, the album is a masterclass in modern metal music. Fans of doom metal, epic metal, and progressive metal alike will find much to love in this captivating release. Crypt Sermon have truly crafted a musical opus that will stand the test of time and leave a lasting impact on all who listen.