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 1st, 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