Monday 27 April 2015

Sorcerer - ‘In The Shadow of The Inverted Cross’ (Album Review)


Album Type: Full-Length
Date Released: 24/3/2015
Label: Metal Blade Records

‘In The Shadow of The Inverted Cross’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

01. The Dark Tower of the Sorcerer
02. Sumerian Script
03. Lake of the Lost Souls
04. Exorcise the Demon
05. In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross
06. Prayers for a King
07. The Gates of Hell
08. Pagans Dance

Sorcerer is:

Anders Engberg | Vocals
Kristian Niemann | Guitars
Peter Hallgren | Guitars
Johnny Hagel | Bass
Robert Iversen | Drums

Review:

Sorcerer are something of an oddity as they were originally around the underground 25 years ago with a couple of demos. Being Swedish, I suppose they were overshadowed by the death acts of the time... Well, here they return/kick off with their first full album proper. It's epic doom of the organic variety. I was instantly reminded of Dio-era Sabbath on hearing the opener “The Dark Tower of The Sorcerer” and this feeling continued with tracks such as “Lake of The Lost Souls”. This is classic epic doom- with a 70's/80's vibe to boot. The leads are exemplary, the vocals are stellar and the band as a whole plays naturally and with conviction.

The songs are long and often feature grandiose hooks and riffs. If you have any interest in Dio, Sabbath with Dio (early or later incarnation), Rainbow's “Rising”, or any kind of doom that is based in fantasy rather than street themes, then this is essential listening. It's dark, fantastical and supremely well executed. A track by track run down simply is not necessary, because the description above tells you all you need to know. Classic doom, in every sense of the word.

Words by: Richard Maw

‘In The Shadow of The Inverted Cross’ is available now



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