SORCERER
“LAMENTING OF THE INNOCENT”
Album Review by Chris Palmer

9.5/10

Sorcerer is a five-piece band which hails from Stockholm, Sweden. Originally formed in 1988, the Epic Doom specialists released two demos and two compilations, before somewhat disappearing from the scene.

Fast forward to 2015, however, and you’ll notice that the band has been consistently active. That year saw the release of Sorcerer’s debut full-length album, “In The Shadow Of The Inverted Cross”, which was followed by 2017’s “The Crowning Of The Fire King”.

This year witnesses the Swedes take their music to another level upon the release of third opus, “Lamenting Of The Innocent”. The album showcases the exceptional talents of the band, which is now completed by Anders Engberg [Vocals], Richard Evensand [Drums], Kristian Niemann [Guitars], Peter Halgren [Guitars], and Justin Biggs [Bass].

Released last month via Metal Blade Records, “Lamenting Of The Innocent” contains ten slabs of Doom Metal Epicness, which will see you listening for more than an hour and three minutes. Don’t let the album’s length deter you, however, because it really is an interesting listen, as Sorcerer takes you on a journey which touches on themes such as history, fantasy, battles and death. 

Album opener, “Persecution”, serves as a short introduction and leads you into the outstandingly heavy “The Hammer Of The Witches”. With a pulverising rhythm and heavy riffs, this is a monstrous opening to the album, which will have you headbanging instantaneously. Anders’ vocal attack is spellbinding, as are the guitar solos, and you’ll be screaming out “Burn Witch, Burn” alongside the band!

As one musical monster ends, another begins, as the title track hits you with gigantically heavy and slow riffs. At 8:47 in length, “Lamenting Of The Innocent” is the longest serving available, and it literally rumbles along with a powerful rhythm. And, truthfully, this number gets better with each listen and is worth the admission price alone, as Anders’ vocals give you goosebumps all over your body. The guitars of Kristian and Peter are equally as powerful and beautiful, and together with the powerhouse rhythm section of Justin and Richard, serve up an exceptional song that has the ability to reach inside and touch your soul.

“Institoris” continues the trend with another heavy rhythm, as the quintet treat you to more of those delicious riffs and glorious sounding vocals, before directing you to “Where Spirits Die”. The tempo is slow and the riffs heavy, as this brilliant slab of Doom Metal pounds the senses and finishes with some superb guitar-play. Those guitars lead you into the sixth chapter, “Deliverance”, and are soon joined by the soothing sounds of Anders’ vocals, before he increases the octave levels. The inclusion of additional strings adds a sense of beauty to the music, as this slow-moving number heads towards its conclusion.

Slow and heavy riffs announce the opening sections of the eight-minute, doom-driven “Age Of The Damned”. You’ll be sent straight into a pit of despair and misery, as this quintet delve out ample punishment through thunderous rhythms, while Anders puts on another superb vocal display which reminds you of Tony Martin during his spell at Black Sabbath.

Speaking of the Godfathers of Heavy Metal, a bell chimes in the silence, as “Condemned” seeks an entrance. This slow-moving number rumbles along nicely and leads you into penultimate number “Dance With The Devil”. Lead by a powerful bassline from Justin, this Heavy/Doom Metal dance just cannot be resisted, as the devil draws closer, and the music maintains a firm grip. That grip leads you straight into the “Path To Perdition”, as Sorcerer leaves you in a state of eternal punishment and damnation, amongst a flurry of outstanding guitar licks. When the riffs start, the urge to headbang just cannot be resisted, as this impressive album draws to a close.

Overall, “Lamenting Of The Innocent” is a superb example of what Epic Doom Metal should sound like. The album contains all the ingredients: A powerful and driven rhythm section; Thrilling guitar solos, licks and grooves; and an Epic vocal attack, all of which comes together to make ten slabs of Heavy Epicness.

It has to be said that I fell in love with this album straight from the start! I just can’t seem to get enough of it, and it’s been played repeatedly since I finished writing these words. Furthermore, it’s fair to say that, with “Lamenting Of The Innocent”, these Swedes have provided a contender for album of the year.

There’s something in the water in Scandinavia these days and, with Sorcerer, Sweden has done it again! More please!

TRACKLIST

Persecution (Intro)
The Hammer Of Witches
Lamenting Of The Innocent
Institoris
Where Spirits Die
Deliverance
Age Of The Damned
Condemned
Dance With The Devil
Path To Perdition

http://www.sorcererdoom.com/

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