#melodic doom

Crypt Sermon: Out of the Garden (2015)

In a nutshell, Crypt Sermon -- and ain’t that the most deliciously morbid moniker you’ve ever heard? -- sound like the second coming of Candlemass on 2015’s indicatively named Out of the Garden.

Just listen to the spectacular doom majesty of “Temple Doors,” “Into The Holy Of Holies” and and title track, and you’ll see that this band from Philadelphia successfully resurrect and refresh the Swedish legends’ powerful, yet polished brand of doom, their semi-operatic vocals, and religious lyrics, both pro and con.

Taking a step back, I actually discovered this band around the same time as the more celebrated Khemmis, but I actually believe that Crypt Sermon are the more accomplished of the two, and let me tell you why ...

First off, Crypt Sermon have a more accomplished singer in the golden-lunged Brooks Wilson; secondly, lead guitarist Steve Jansson effortlessly peels off Euro-styled neo-classicisms; thirdly, the quintet knows how to unleash the thrash hounds (see “Heavy Riders”) without abandoning doom’s path.

Sure, they are highly derivative of their masters, but, as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ... especially when it doesn’t suck!

And Crypt Sermon most certainly do NOT suck, so Out of the Garden simply feels like another glorious chapter added to Candlemass legacy by these eager disciples.

Katatonia - Brave