Juiced up since the debut - 85%

（来自MA，用户we hope you die）

Philadelphia’s Crypt Sermon return with their second LP ‘The Ruins of Fading Light’ to much pomp and ceremony from label Dark Descent Records. Along with Atlantean Codex they are held up as the darlings of old school heavy/doom metal of the Candlemass variety. TROFL sees them finding their own voice some more after the competent but slightly derivative ‘Out of the Garden’ (2015). Although epic doom is still the dominant thread running through this music, Crypt Sermon have added a healthy dose of classic heavy metal influences along the lines of Angel Witch, which offers much needed diversity and pacing throughout this album. Added to that is Brooks Wilson’s vocals which have definitely been juicing in the last few years. Despite a melodic sensibility that is somehow reminiscent of several different vocalists at once, he has added a power and aggression to certain inflections that lends the music yet more tensions and variety. Of course the stars of the show are the riffs. But the danger with epic doom is simply over-labouring the epic tone to the point of pummelling the listener into numbness. Crypt Sermon have overcome this hurdle by essentially hanging up their doom hats for significant portions of the album, and instead opting for galloping heavy metal. Underpinning the incredibly catchy, melodic heavy metal is a powerful rhythm section that lends it an aggressive foundation. This feeds into another plus over the debut, and that is drama. Whilst ‘Out of the Garden’ was acceptable epic doom metal, Crypt Sermon have beefed up every aspect of their playing. From the operatic flavour to the vocals, to the speed and power of the rhythm section, and the riffs themselves, everything is hellbent on creating tension and release. Like a bow string taught with energy and the and satisfaction we get from feeling its release. Some find this style hard to swallow. And it can be exhausting, especially if an artist tries to maintain drama and that illusive concept of the epic for the length of an LP, but Crypt Sermon provide ample dynamics and breathers for the listener to catch their breath and re-engage with the music. An all round thoroughly enjoyable release. Originally published at Hate Meditations