Artist: Cromlech
Album: Ascent of Kings
Release Date: March 3rd, 2023
Genres: Epic Doom Metal, Heavy Metal, Folk Metal
Formats: Compact Disc, Digital
Label: Hessian Firm
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Length: 68:45
Price: $12 Compact Disc
Cromlech Links
Hessian Firm Links
Tracklist
- Cimmeria (14:58)
- False Peace / Total War (08:07)
- Patria (06:06)
- Born with Sword In Hand (Doomed to Martyrdom) (08:25)
- Ascent of Kings (12:34)
- Turambar (Master of Doom/By Doom Mastered) (18:36)
A Message From The Artist
Founded in 2011, Cromlech is the antithesis to all that is trivial and banal in Heavy Metal. Thunderous drumming, extended dual guitar melodies, and song crafting on a truly epic scale sets Cromlech apart in a genre plagued by generic rock clichés and fashion conscious trendsters.
Cromlech
A Message From The Label
Ascent of Kings sees Cromlech hone their songwriting to new heights of focus, blending layered instrumentation into a cohesive whole.
Hessian Firm
HAIL OR DIE!
Album Credits
Kevin O’Loughnane – Hibernian Warblings
Roman Lechmann – Bandura, Kobzar and Kossack Kommands
David Von Baron – Riffulous Zweihander / Poser Scything Battleaxes & Bardic Lutes
Brandon Keddy – Quadrivium Thunderous Rumblings / Weaver of Memetic Visions
Jacob Jezovit – Cynocephalic War Drums
Recorded by Kaveh Afshar
Mixed by Michael Palmer
Mastered by David Von Baron
Cover Artwork by Kris Verwimp
Session Hessians:
Kaveh Afshar – Cellos
Andy Zowsk – Violins
Shred Diamond – Falsettos
More About the Album
Prepare your ear holes for Cromlech’s unique blend of epic Barbarian war doom and traditional heavy metal. A blend that maintains the essence and sound of classic acts of the 80s.
From the highly varied, rousing vocals to the onslaught of killer riffs and hooks Ascent of Kings will have you hooked from start to finish. The band expertly blend elements from both genres in away that keeps each track feeling fresh and exciting. The inclusion of folk elements gives the album an extra dramatic flourish and richness of sound but is employed tastefully, so as to not overpower the album or feel gimmicky.
Each epic track takes its time to slowly unfurl before the listener, slowly expanding its range of sound as it tells its captivating tale. Much like the greats that came before Cromlech understand how to weave together a gripping narrative. The band almost take on the role of bards as they talk of times passed and acts of valor and honour.
Most importantly, while the band’s sound is rooted in tradition they don’t feel like a worship band in any sense. They’ve managed to work such a diverse range of influences together that it feels completely fresh and innovative. Yet at the same time feels as if it could have been released around the same time as Epicus Doomicus Metallicus or Into the Depths of Sorrow.
In summary, if you enjoy music with a throwback sound that demonstrates contemporary levels of innovation and technical proficiency, then Ascent of Kings is a must listen.
Cave Dweller Productions 