Crom - When Northmen Die

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Metal maniacs, rejoice! I'm proud to present to you: CROM; signed via Pure Steel Records, hailing from the glory of Germany - perfoming Power Metal, on the 3^rd album entitled: “When Northmen Die” (released December 1^st, 2017).

Since formation in 1997; the solo artist Walter “Crom” Grosse has unleashed his 3^rd album with his band CROM - “When Northmen Die”. Incorporating a solid slab of hard-hitting Power Metal intricacies, this one-man project delivers a distinctive characteristic that's quite unprecedented for this sub-genre in question. 13 tracks ranging at around 01:03:04; opening up with the hammering “Behold The Lights”, the songwriting contrasts itself with a Viking based atmosphere in which amalgamates with a robust formula of brutal instrumentation - expect profusely equipped diligence, as already I am mesmerized by the fact that this individual has managed to provide a fluidly dynamic sound production on his own. The vocalization stems from clean singing while portraying a vigorously gritty arrangement to it, developing a savagely detailed construction to it - everything sound elegantly organic so far.

“All Alone” consisted of an acoustic guitar opening, and attributed exquisitely catchy melodies which supplies uniquely complex aesthetic of dextrous substance - the thumping drums showcase efficient industrious performances while“Shields Of Gold” has aggressive tones and electrifying guitar presence which is like a galloping, battering ram ferociously stampeding with pounding strength. “Dear Father” is a little more subdued yet is distributed with well executed orchestrations  with rhythmic consistent nimbleness, flourishing with doomy elements and a diverse variety of sufficiently composed hooks that captivatingly grabs me. The upbeat “Betrayal” has a more hasty approach which had that maliciously menacing hostility to it, still full of symphonic grit and dramatic technicality. “I'm With You” suppressed things with more operatic hymns, as it keeps things equally balanced.

“Gods Of Glory” is a 0:59 hymn to the second portion of the record. “One Step To The Lake Below” contributed a Doom Metal aspect with the thunderously pummelling grooves of the powerhouse bass and drums, while “Sentenced To Death” established circular riffs and phenomenal proficiencies this independent creator has crafted. “Rain” is the most atmospheric, bringing back the more audible, and less stark attitude. “When Northmen Die” is the longest song at 8:53, being the most memorable and catchy with its dominate power and might that just excels with an entertaining listen. The “Farewell Song” concludes the record with yet another clear solo, and then “The Millennium King” overall finalizes it as a bonus track generating more blistering expertise. Bottom line, while I expected nothing less from this Power Metal mastermind – it exceeded all expectations as I enjoyed a compelling story of glory and strength.

Songwriting: 8
Memorability: 7
Originality: 7
Sound Production: 9