It’s one of the bigger cliches of metal music that its followers are obsessed with all things sword and sorcery. Therefore, it is no wonder that entire sub-genres of metal exist devoted wholly to the works of the greatest fantasy and science fiction writers of today and yesteryear.

Smoulder, originally from Canada and now based in Finland have dedicated their decade of existence to providing the world with some of the most epic forms of traditional, doom and somewhat power metal vibes laced with high fantasy sagas.

Now they are back with sophomore release, Violent Creed of Vengeance. From the cover art you can tell this is a band who pull no punches in their grand and majestic retelling of epic battles where the most mythical and progressive societies and races take to the battlefield to entertain people of all walks of life.

As soon as you put this album on, you’ll be taken away to mythical kingdoms with epic planes and ongoing forests where magical creatures dwell and novice adventurers trudge across the world seeking their fortunes in battle and magic. Vocalist Sarah Ann guides you through a multiverse of audible adventure accompanied by some of the most epic metal bards who have taken to the metal stage in the last decade.

One thing that will really make you smile is the cameo of veteran fantasist, Michael Moorcock who opens “Victims of Fate” with an intro about the eternal champion heroes from his works that have influenced generations of fantasy epics we love today. I was overjoyed to hear his voice before being led to the mythical city of Tanelorn in a tune inspired by Elric, Hawkmoon, Corum and many other of Moorcock’s best-known heroes of the multiverse.

In all, this is an epic metal album for the hard thinking fantasy buff, not one for kids just getting into metal as many of the biggest power metal bands have found their feet in what I’ve seen of said world. Smoulder are keeping the depth and dense range of ideas one can find in the countless fantasy tales that anyone willing to read beyond Lord of the Rings will experience.

A fine piece of fantastic epicness delivered with musical integrity. Great job all round.

(8/10 Demitri Levantis)

https://www.facebook.com/SmoulderDoom

https://smoulder.bandcamp.com/album/violent-creed-of-vengeance