ALBUM REVIEW: The Ruins Of Fading Light – Crypt Sermon

Horses gallop. Chants ring out. Swords clash. So begins The Ruins Of Fading Light, the epic new album from Philadelphia doom purveyors CRYPT SERMON. Four years on from their acclaimed debut the band return with an epic, thundering album of traditional doom, littered with subtle NWOBHM influences and some of the most headbangable riffs you’re likely to hear all year. The songwriting is superb as is the storytelling, not to mention the absolutely stellar musicianship from all involved. 

Opening track The Ninth Templar (Black Candle Flame) sets the tone perfectly, with medieval sounds laying the scene before exploding into an absolute juggernaut of a riff, paving the way for vocalist Brooks Wilson to come bellowing in – and what a voice it is. Key Of Solomon continues in a similar fashion, once again showcasing the talented range of vocal powerhouse Wilson. It’s not a stretch to mention him in the same breath as Bruce Dickinson, such is his impressive vocal range and ability to conjure up addictive melodies. Further NWOBHM vibes are felt on the galloping The Snake Handler, one of the album’s many highlights. Also included in the mix are shorter instrumental interludes (Oath of Exile and Enslave The Heathens) which feature sounds of pouring rain, howling wolves and medieval music, lending the album a truly historical feel – indeed it’s easy to forget this was produced by five musicians from Philadelphia and not ancient knights deep in the heart of a wooded English landscape.

The songs are somewhat lengthier than on the band’s previous releases, but the tempos are more varied, breaking away from the more atypical rhythms associated with doom and thus embracing a more progressive and traditional metal vibe. Attention has to be drawn to the outstanding production too. With Arthur Rizk (POWER TRIP, VENOM PRISON) at the helm, the whole band sound punchy and direct without ever coming across polished. The rhythm guitars are chunky and crisp whilst the guitar solos practically leap out from the speakers – just listen to those blistering leads on the rampant Christ Is Dead.

The album closes with the powerful title track. Beginning with further medieval inspired instrumentation, the song soon expands and delivers thunderous riffs and howling vocal melodies. In addition to the obvious CANDLEMASS influences, similarities can also be drawn to JUDAS PRIEST and DIO era BLACK SABBATH – good company to keep indeed. Whether The Ruins Of Fading Light will be considered the best doom album released this year remains to be seen (there are a few months to go yet) but it is surely a strong contender. This is only CRYPT SERMON‘s second full length release and to be creating such commanding music this early in their career bodes well for what is yet to come. 

Rating: 8/10

The Ruins Of Fading Light is set for release September 13th via Dark Descent Records.

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