ALBUM REVIEW: Smoulder – Violent Creed Of Vengeance

Canadian epic Heavy Metal mob SMOULDER recently unleashed their 2nd album via Cruz Del Sur. After seeing them play two awesome shows at Keep It True, I decided I needed to cover this record.

Delivering a mighty blow with furious riffing, no time wasted, we dive right into the quest. Melody and punishing percussion intertwine to conjure a splendidly enthralling attack of Heavy Metal packed with atmosphere. Wailing, powerful vocals soon join to add to the bewitching sound with the entire band making their impact felt. The production is gloriously warm with plenty of presence in the low end while the mystical guitar and vocal work is given plenty of headroom to shine. Compared to previous works (which I also enjoy), the speed is definitely increased on this album. That is clear from pretty early on. Although plenty of those doomy influences creep in, there is a much more ferocious edge to this record perhaps borrowing more from USPM. Utilising their already impeccable storytelling abilities, this refined execution leads me to believe Smoulder are back better than ever!

Dissecting the band, who work marvellously as a unit is difficult. The monstrous drumming definitely holds this record, while the intricate guitar work is blisteringly sharp. Vocally, I think Sarah has improved a ton since the bands previous work with a more cutting delivery than ever. It just all feels like a much more well oiled machine, and this is not me saying the prior works were bad but rather the band seems to have ascended to far greater heights with a much more exciting and musically epic delivery. For a band who probably tend to get compared to Cirith Ungol, Manilla Road and the like, there is plenty more here that brings Attacker, Griffin or Helstar to mind. Some of these bands are appropriate to mention, having graced the stage with Smoulder at Keep It True, where they played two blinding sets. While I enjoyed the bands previous works, this feels far more like a complete package wherein they have truly found their direction and put one hundred percent behind it. The energy is palpable and undeniable.

Amidst the raging inferno of intensity, there are still those gloriously soaring moments of Doom Metal that pound the anvil with morbid energies. This has carried on from the older Smoulder sound into this new era with grace, though the band do not rely on their former glories too much and seem to mostly forge forward. From glacial lead work to galloping battle-cries, there is so much energy and dynamic excellence that will grip any headbanger with ease as the adrenaline pumps through your veins. Everything here just feels so perfectly thought out and is played with feverish passion from the full lineup. It is always a gratifying moment to witness an underground band really find their sound, and I believe this to be the case with Smoulder’s second album. It just feels like a real turning point for the band that I am sure will even win over those not keen on their prior efforts. In fact, I think any fans of Heavy/Power/Doom Metal will find something to adore here. Each of the seven pieces is a majestic offering that ties beautifully into this rich tapestry of charming fantasy.

Smoulder have given us by far their strongest work to date in this conquest of epic, battering and expertly forged Heavy Metal. Each track is a triumph and feels like a joy to behold, embarking on a mystical journey that is worth voyaging on time and time again.