Thanks to the top-tier vocal styling of Brooks Wilson and his propensity, which reminds me of bands like Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus. This four-track EP opens with the dark sweeping synthesizers of Tanner Anderson in ‘Only Ash and Dust’, setting a haunting intro for the music. The heaviness of the crushing riffs sends chills down the spine. The fine and intricate layers of slow guitars handled by Steve Jannson and Frank Chin on rhythm, the heavy bass guitar riffs of Matt Knox and the hammering drums of Enrique Sagarnaga, they all lay the groundwork for the rumbling riffs to soar over the majestic vocals.

The change of pace is evident, while the double bass kicks and the heavy chugs boldly show the scale and the quality of the songs. These moments sound mystical, the twist in the tempos echoing a reverberating power through the galloping drums. Crypt Sermon wields its hammer unprecedentedly while honoring the gods of doom metal. The whole 80s and 90s era seems to be cultivated. The changes in tempo and instrumental details require one’s attention, but the majesty of the dual guitars reveals a state of awe.

The intensity of the dynamic guitar erupts in ‘A Fool to Believe’. The vocals on this track flow broodingly, in the somber tones of 90s doom-gothic fashion, yet brimming full of energy and delivering a metallic blow. The guitar work is crushing while the aggressive drumming maintains a powerful pace accompanied by excellent drum fills. Likewise, the guitar work shines throughout this epic track. The solo passage midway is sublime, but it sounds like a mixture of heaviness and majestic melody of the lead guitars that brings it to its sublime rhythm.

The slow mid-tempo pace of ‘Lachrymose’ begins with a haunting melody until the slow, doomy, and trudging drums bring a heavier effect. A brooding, majestic vocal that sweeps in a menacing tone and binds the lead guitar melody, is somehow reminiscent of My Dying Bride. A pensive and dark mood takes hold of this track when the crushing double bass hammers intensely. The uplifting guitar melody plucks out the thorns from the severed heart.

As epic solos tower majestically, the lofty standards of Crypt Sermon in this EP are definite. Everything from the majestic, crooning vocals of Brooks Wilson to the doom-filled riffs and the gripping chorus that swells and churns with menace, shows the sextet’s excellent performance.

The final track, ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”’ is a cover by Mayhem and is the last nail in the coffin, which displays a fine vocal ability. The menacing and brooding vocals bring this EP to a dark finale. What’s so fascinating about this track is the atmosphere, which feels apocalyptic and takes center stage, alongside the tremolo riffing and the sudden transition midway through the track that includes a doomy, operatic chant. It’s a very gritty and creatively delivers a timeless, classic song.

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