Metal Underground.com

As one of the oldest genres of heavy metal, doom metal’s roots are buried deep and anchor the extensive forest that heavy metal has become. Northern Crown pays homage to those who have come before in its approach to riffs, organ use, and pacing, but doesn’t let the old school ways of doom define it.

“In The Hands of The Betrayer,” the band’s first EP, features five intense pieces ranging from four to twelve minutes in length. Covering the emotions of retribution, shock, outrage, and despair in the originals, the album rounds out with a cover of Candlemass’ 1986 anthem, “Crystal Ball.”

Album vocalist Frank Serafine summons a formidable blend of his vocal influences, such as Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, and Jorn Lande, for his performance. Drummer Josh Brown is guided by the rule of elegant simplicity in his stylings and contributes many nuances to the songs both in pushing a section or pulling back the momentum.