Labels: Cruz Del Sur Music
Review by: Alex Deller
Smoulder deal in grandiose epic doom, and their cup clearly spilleth over when it comes to passion for Robert E. Howard-style fantasy. Acts like Slough Feg, Cirih Ungol and Manilla Road all serve as good points of reference, and the band proudly brandish a powerful and purposeful sound that suggests a bloodthirsty eagerness to test the cutting blade of their broadsword. Singer Sarah Ann’s strong, soaring voice serves as the record’s definite high point, and if there’s one real criticism it’s that the rest of the album never quite meets the majestic heights of rousing opener ‘Ilian Of Garathorm’.