Crom – The Era of Darkness
Release Date: 13th January 2023
Label: From The Vaults
Bandcamp
Genre: Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Viking Metal.
FFO: Bathory, Tyr, Manowar.
Review By: Rick Farley
German heavy metal trio Crom led by mastermind Walter “Crom” Grosse formerly of Dark Fortress are set to release their battle ready fourth full length album The Era of Darkness to the legions of true metal warriors. Originally starting as a solo project, Crom was a far cry from the melodic black metal that was the genre he helped form in 1997. The more he progressed with his solo work, the more Grosse realised that he much preferred to forge his own heavy metal path, a path where fist pumping power metal anthems with face melting solos and big choruses rule the day. Songs that get your blood pumping enough to slay your enemies.
The Era of Darkness is a crushing metal journey with powerful vocals, epic NWOBHM melodies, and true heavy metal spirit. Barbarian like sword wielding passion gives each track a story telling aspect within its speedy metallic riffs, beautiful acoustics, and pagan metal atmosphere. Shaded with subtlety by the legendary melodies of Bathory, Grosse’s admiration and respect for Quorthon has been no secret and inspire his song writing just enough to bring a level of familiar influence and tons of fun to this metallic metal monster.
Originally released in 2018 by Danish singer Rasmussen, the Viking chant inspired Higher Ground is incredibly catchy with such a huge epic feel, you’ll be calling to Valhalla as you take your last battle worn breaths. Pounding tribal drums and walls of distorted guitars during the verse, slowly bludgeon like a war hammer, which then leads into an enormously grand, fist pumping chorus. The lightning charged guitar riffs of Into the Glory give way to galloping bass and bashing drums. Grosse’s soaring sing along vocals are a call to arms with their commanding demeanour and presence. Ripping solos scattered throughout the track help quicken the sense of urgency the song already has. Conjuring images of armoured horses running fearlessly towards slaughter, guided by the steady hands of the mighty battling warriors. The title track The Era of Darkness is an evil soundscape with its dark choirs, bouncy guitar riffs and raspy growls. The vocals on this track are a mixture of both throaty baritones and blackened snarls, with the latter being less represented on the album. The black metal edged vocals really hits home the sinister atmosphere of the rest of the track. Together We Ride is a heavy chugging beast full of headbanging and horn throwing. Mid-way through an Iron Maiden inspired melody over fast galloping, sounds crunchy and tight ensuring maximum neck damage. The Forsaken is another slower tribal sounding drum pounding with memorable hooks. Clean NWOBHM melodies and acoustic strumming feels majestic and folky. Powerful synths underneath adds great depth to the engaging ambience.
Mixed and mastered by V. Santura, production wise the album sounds modern while maintaining the olden style, true metal of yesteryear. Lush acoustics, synths, crushing riffs, driving low end and great clarity on percussion really accentuate the grandiose music. Walter Grosse handles all vocals, lead and acoustic guitars and bass. Drum by Thomas Hagl and solo guitar by Steve Peyerl.
If you need a fix of epic Viking powered heavy metal, this is where to look. Full of glorious hooks, crystal clear vocal harmonies and undeniably memorable songs, The Era of Darkness will surely scratch that itch to quest like a medieval metal warrior. Hail Crom.
(3.5 / 5)
