Sorcerer
Lamenting Of The Innocent
Metal Blade
Released : May 29, 2020
The tale of Sweden’s Sorcerer is a lengthy one that I will attempt to narrow down into a single paragraph.
Stockholm’s Sorcerer originally made their way into the music universe in 1988, before disbanding in 1992. They returned in 2010, when offered a spot on the roster of Germany’s Hammer Of Doom festival. Five years on, the released a new album, another two years after that and here we are with a third album, Lamenting Of The Innocent, since their return.
It seems trivial to compare a Swedish doom band to one of the greatest doom bands ever, who also happen to be Swedes. I am of course referring to the mighty Candlemass, yet I feel the similarities strong enough to bring up their name. Similarities in song structure, and with a very strong vocal performance from Anders Engberg. Of course, any time a band releases a new set of tunes that echo the golden age of heavy metal, albeit by way of a traditional Doom metal soundscape, names like Candlemass and Black Sabbath are sure to be brought up.
There also are parts throughout the record that summon up traditional heavy metal melodies and riffing. The vocals also contain some of these elements, which I suppose is only natural. After all is said and done, we wouldn’t have doom if we hadn’t started with what we now call traditional heavy metal, now would we? Some bands utilize these influences more than others, let’s say.
See Also : Panic Problem “Just Calm Down” Review
The title track, Lamenting Of The Innocent, echoes what the entire records is about with power and gusto. Throughout, the lyrical aspect of this album are about the witch trials and the hunting, persecution and murders of those deemed to be witches by the church. Lamenting Of The Innocent especially. It is a heavy and foreboding track, with slow, deep and hard hitting guitars that are simply crushing. Emotional charged, there is little wonder as to why this is the title track for this impressive record.
On Deliverance, Sorcerer unveil their love for Candlemass with some mighty doom-laded riffage. Meanwhile, the latter half of Condemned contains riffs that Tony Iommi or Ritchie Blackmore would have been proud of. Actually, Ian Gillan or Ronnie James Dio era Black Sabbath is a fairly good comparison to this recording.
Dance With The Devil has a spoken word passage that harkens back to my childhood, simply because it reminds me of the animated Lord Of The Rings film. It might even be sampled from the film; but I’m far too lazy to research that for you.
You can grab yourself a copy of this solid doom recording by clicking here.
For Fans Of : Candlemass, Rainbow, Black Sabbath
Track Listing :
01. Persecution
02. The Hammer Of Witches
03. Lamenting Of The Innocent
04. Institoris
05. Where Spirits Die
06. Deliverance
07. Age Of The Damned
08. Condemned
09. Dance With The Devil
10. Path To Perdition
