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Sorcerer (1989)
Hailing from Sweden, Sorcerer released their self-titled demo in 1989. This was their first effort, and they made quite a monumental statement right from the start. The production here feels almost stripped down compared to albums from this time. There’s an organic feeling more akin to releases from earlier in the decade, and the slight roughness works in its favour.
The style here is melancholic doom metal with an epic feeling. These Swedes were clearly influenced by early Candlemass, and you can really hear it in the riffs. The vocals are a bit over the top at times, but that’s not a bad thing here. Along with the solos, the voice adds a traditional heavy metal vibe to the otherwise bleak atmosphere. There’s almost a ’70s vibe going on, which makes sense — the band went on to record a Rainbow cover for their next demo, and the vocals definitely bring Dio to mind at times.
The highlight of this recording has to be “Far Beyond”, a mournful track drenched in suffocating hopelessness. It sounds like the last thing you’d hear on your way to the gallows, knowing the end is near. Everything else here is really solid, but this one stands out. If you’re into Epicus Doomicus Metallicus from Candlemass or Into the Depths of Sorrow from Solitude Aeturnus, this demo is highly recommended.
The style here is melancholic doom metal with an epic feeling. These Swedes were clearly influenced by early Candlemass, and you can really hear it in the riffs. The vocals are a bit over the top at times, but that’s not a bad thing here. Along with the solos, the voice adds a traditional heavy metal vibe to the otherwise bleak atmosphere. There’s almost a ’70s vibe going on, which makes sense — the band went on to record a Rainbow cover for their next demo, and the vocals definitely bring Dio to mind at times.
The highlight of this recording has to be “Far Beyond”, a mournful track drenched in suffocating hopelessness. It sounds like the last thing you’d hear on your way to the gallows, knowing the end is near. Everything else here is really solid, but this one stands out. If you’re into Epicus Doomicus Metallicus from Candlemass or Into the Depths of Sorrow from Solitude Aeturnus, this demo is highly recommended.
(22 May 2025)
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