Review Summary: A triumph of epic story telling…
Sorcerer is a highly interesting case of a band. Formed in 1988, they released a couple of demos and then, in 1992, decided to disband. Lucky for us, Solitude Aeturnus’ John Perez compiled the two demos and released them as a compilation in 1995. However, the quality of material along with the fact that the album was hard to find, made Sorcerer one of the hottest names in the underground and as it turns out, for a good reason.
In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross is the band’s official debut(!), 27 years after their formation and it includes all those elements that we’ve come to love in epic doom. Lyrics about wizards and kings, towers and demons accompanied by crushing riffs create an atmosphere that will transport you to fictional lands and open plains where all you need is a fast horse and a heavy sword. Opener “The Dark Tower of the Sorcerer” that describes the story of an evil sorcerer who’s creating an army and preparing for war brings to mind Saruman from Lord of the Rings and sets the mood perfectly for what will follow. Apart from the excellent guitar work, what really elevates Sorcerer, is the incredible vocal performance that colors each track perfectly. Vocalist Anders Engberg – having a power metal background – sounds convincing, dramatic, menacing and powerful while possessing a wide range that reaches high notes when needed. His technique might remind some of you Dio’s at some points but Engberg utilizes a power metal delivery that works perfectly with his band’s music.
Moreover, Sorcerer’s flavor of epic doom will bring to mind legendary bands such as Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus or a lighter version of Count Raven.
In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross also benefits from having a couple up-tempo tracks in “Exorcise the Demon” and “The Gates of Hell” that provide variety and help the listener digest easier the heaviness of the t/t or “Lake of the Lost Souls”. The hard rock/Rainbow-esque passages such as on the 2:36-3:40 mark of “Sumerian Script” are also a major reason that this album will work for non doom metal diehards as well. On the whole, you won’t find weak moments on this album, just songs you enjoy more. Imagine a similar but improved version of Martin-era Black Sabbath.
On the other hand, it’s needless to say that Sorcerer don’t reinvent the wheel (or steel?) by any means and there will be listeners that will find the album dated. In addition, even though the crystal clear production helps the songs become more effective and direct, some of you might feel that it takes something away from the heaviness of the music.
Overall,
In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross has to be one of the best epic doom releases of the last few years and an album that fans of traditional metal will love. So next time you’re in the mood for some riffs, swords and sorcery, let Candlemass rest a bit and give these guys a chance because it might take them 27 more years to release another album.
