Crypt Sermon
Out of the Garden


4.5
superb

Review

by PsychicChris USER (585 Reviews)
August 3rd, 2015 | 20 replies


Release Date: 2015 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Overall, Crypt Sermon's debut has an excellent eye for detail and the solid songs keep their heads above the tides of the contemporary doom scene.

Doom metal still isn't likely to become a commercial juggernaut anytime soon but it has certainly become more prominent in recent years. The emphasis on slower tempos and riff-driven songwriting seem to appeal to music lovers both in and out of the metal community, but there are plenty of people who tire of the numerous Sleep and Electric Wizard clones shambling about. Philadelphia's own Crypt Sermon has its share of throwback elements but opts for a path less traveled on their full-length debut.

It is obvious from the get go that Crypt Sermon owes a huge debt to Candlemass but it is rather surreal to see how far they go to capture the elements of their idol's classic era. The vocals have more in common with Robert Lowe than Messiah Marcolin but the production similarly muffles the guitars and drums, slow riffs and sprawling choruses dominate throughout, speedy segments pop up on "Heavy Riders" and "Into The Holy of Holies," and even the cover painting looks like it could've been in the same series as the works that appeared on Nightfall through Tales of Creation.

The style is pulled off well but there are a few points that could be expanded with future efforts. Candlemass only had a handful of good production jobs over the course of their career and the muffled production doesn't do this band too many favors either. The vocals have a tendency of getting obscured and it's hard to tell if they need to be more operatic or just need to be brought out with a stronger mix.

Fortunately, the songwriting more than overcomes these minor flaws and clearly states why the Pennsylvania group deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as their Swedish predecessors. The opening "Temple Doors" sets the stage well with its foreboding atmosphere and the loose feel on "The Will of the Ancient Call" make it about as memorable. From there, the lyrics on "The Master's Bouquet" are a bit silly but the catchy vocal lines during the verses make it another worthy highlight.

Overall, Crypt Sermon's debut has an excellent eye for detail and the solid songs keep their heads above the tides of the contemporary doom scene. While some may be turned off by the production and reliance on that beloved Candlemass influence, their classy execution puts them well above most of their peers. One can hope that their future efforts will be presented in an even stronger fashion.

Highlights:
"Heavy Riders"
"The Will of the Ancient Call"
'Into the Holy of Holies"
"The Master's Bouquet"



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user ratings (107)
3.6
great
other reviews of this album
rockandmetaljunkie (4)
Majestic, heavenly music brought to you be the disciples of Candlemass and S. Aeturnus....



Comments:Add a Comment 
PsychicChris
August 3rd 2015


421 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

This album crept up on me but it's really become a favorite for the year. Thanks to rockandmetaljunkie for recommending these guys to me!

TalonsOfFire
Emeritus
August 3rd 2015


20995 Comments


This was an enjoyable doom throwback

sonictheplumber
August 4th 2015


17567 Comments


im kinda interested in this, cool cover art and its not another electric weed goblin band

EvoHavok
August 4th 2015


8088 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

You should give it a try.

Nice review!

Gyromania
August 4th 2015


37380 Comments


yeah that cover art is so cool.

good review. i might check this out

slikphuk
November 20th 2015


622 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

this is good really enjoying this

lalchimiste
January 27th 2016


1131 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Still rules hard

tempest--
May 18th 2016


20634 Comments


Masters bouquet is hilariously bad but awesome I love it

slikphuk
May 21st 2016


622 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

man, i love this album

EvoHavok
May 21st 2016


8088 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

It's epic doom fun.

slikphuk
May 22nd 2016


622 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

m/

slikphuk
May 22nd 2016


622 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

riffs of doom

Maco097
July 10th 2019


3343 Comments


Not the excellent piece of doom music this reviewer claims, but It's very solid.

Looking forward to the new album.

necropig
August 20th 2019


7439 Comments


Didn't know Frank chin joined them, time for some tech doom metal

Voivod
Staff Reviewer
September 26th 2019


10913 Comments

Album Rating: 3.8 | Sound Off

This album hasn't aged a day.

MotokoKusanagi
October 11th 2019


4290 Comments


came for the dope artwork, stayed for the riffs

Space Jester
December 24th 2019


11242 Comments


Damn this is sick

Lichtbringer
February 17th 2020


1215 Comments


Can’t really get into this so far, disappointing. Follow up to this is such a great record.

el_newg
June 17th 2024


2208 Comments


THE DEMONS NOW KNOW MY NAME

Lichtbringer
June 17th 2024


1215 Comments


hmmm wrong thread?



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