Upon gazing at the album cover, one may think they are in for an onslaught of over the top and epic Power Metal. The recording opens does open with a powerful sounding orchestral intro that feels like march to slaying an army of dragons. This is followed by some of the murkiest, sludge and Doom filled riffs to assault your senses. Cultic pack a ton of atmosphere here without forsaking any of the heaviness.
The entire album plods along with an unending dreary filling and heavy dreary filling. The heavy atmosphere at points feels like a sonic dreamlike journey. Adding heavier then dark matter guitar tones ,eerie bass and thunderous drums on top of this leads just amplifies their sound. Brian Magar’s guttural vocal work is impressive, oozing with heaviness and even haunting especially when he adds in some morbid whispers into the song.
Cultic do a damn fine job of creating an early Doom/Sludge sound while adding some modern touches. The electronics used are in forefront, yet never feel forced blending in perfectly with their murky sound. If you are new to listening to Doom/Sludge this is the album for you as the music is easily accessible and still heavy and murky as fuck. If Doom is your jam, check this album out now!