Album Review: Cromlech – Ascent of Kings (Hessian Firm)

A blend of epic doom, traditional heavy metal, and folk elements, all presented with old school production. Cromlech‘s new album ‘Ascent of Kings’ will be released on March 3rd, 2023, via Hessian Firm.

Beginning in haunting fashion with Cimmeria, the vocal harmonies really sell the epic feel but it’s when the folksy melody arrives that things really come to life. The tone shift, peppier rhythm and transformation into heavier metal and doom areas is very cool sounding. All this, within the first couple of minutes, so it’s no shock to learn that this track has many more twists and turns across its near 15-minute runtime.

It takes a brave and confident band to start their new album off like this but that’s exactly who Cromlech are and exactly what they do. It’s a challenging introduction but a fascinating one that crosses the heavy metal spectrum in spectacular style.

By contrast, the 8-odd minutes of False Peace / Total War seems almost relaxed in comparison. Albeit, that seemingly coming from the dark and deep doomy heaviness more than anything else. Though this is also one of the wackiest efforts as the rhythmic shifts are hard to comprehend, the wavery vocals are disconcerting, and it all becomes quite chaotic.

Patria’s atmospheric melody, dominating for over half of its runtime, is extremely nice. Its eventual shift isn’t anything to be mad about either though as Cromlech throw their all in to delivering some old-school heavy groove.

Followed then by a series of tracks that get longer and longer, leading to an eventual 18+ minute finale in the form of Turambar (Master of Doom/By Doom Mastered). Before that though, there’s the robust head-banger and constantly high-powered heavy metal head-banger that is Born with Sword In Hand (Doomed to Martyrdom). As well as the elaborate trawl through ancient times and heavy tomes with the title track.

Even if you’ve enjoyed every minute of this album, an 18+ minute finale is daunting. Yet, to Cromlech’s credit, it doesn’t drag. Turambar (Master of Doom/By Doom Mastered) oozes folkish ambience, doom-infused darkness, and takes an eccentric approach to the heavy metal. The combination is one of the most enjoyable things on the album and ensures Ascent of Kings ends with a bang.

Cromlech – Ascent of Kings Track Listing:

1. Cimmeria
2. False Peace / Total War
3. Patria
4. Born with Sword In Hand (Doomed to Martyrdom)
5. Ascent of Kings
6. Turambar (Master of Doom/By Doom Mastered)

Links

Bandcamp | Big Cartel | Facebook | Hessian Firm