Sorcerer is something of an inspirational story when it comes to following your dreams. Formed in 1988, the band would release only a few demos and compilations over four years before calling it a day. The band reformed in 2010 and signed with Metal Blade Records before finally releasing their debut album, "In The Shadow Of The Inverted Cross" in 2015. Since then, they've released two more albums, before a fourth, "Reign Of The Reaper," is unleashed on October 27th and it's safe to say, fans won't be disappointed.

The band has been described as "epic doom metal" and there's certainly a good amount of that here, though perhaps not quite in the manner that you'd expect. There's more than a trace of power metal on display for the duration of the record, though arguably it's most prominent on the opening song, "Morning Star," which gets the album off to a very exciting start. This is followed by the title track, which does bring in more of a doom metal sound, without becoming too slow, going instead for more of a "Wherever I May Roam" pace.

Elsewhere on the album, Sorcerer explores their more melodic side, especially on the final song, "Break Of Dawn," which is an ominous affair with some softer elements, while "Eternal Sleep" seems to ride a line between a power ballad and an epic. "Thy Kingdom Will Come" meanwhile is a highlight that combines an exciting, galloping build with a sweeping grandeur and features an excellent guitar solo. "Curse Of Medusa" borrows the vibe of historical epics like Lawrence Of Arabia to tell the story of the mythic Gorgon.

"Reign Of The Reaper" is a solid album and there's no doubt that fans of both the band and the style will enjoy it, but the argument can be made that it's lacking that final hook to really make it an excellent record. As it went on, songs like "The Underworld" felt a bit stock, not really offering the listener much new or exhilarating. While not a terrible song, "Unveiling Blasphemy" is most likely the album's weak link, coming across as quite clumsy in the delivery of the verses and a little dull overall.

For fans of the lighter side of doom, if such a thing exists, they'll enjoy this album. It's steeped in traditional heavy metal roots which make it feel quite old school, while also not being out of place in the modern metal world. It has plenty to enjoy, but also a few stumbling blocks which stop it from being a truly great album. "Reign Of The Reaper" comes recommended, but not to everyone, as the more extreme or elitist metal fan will more than likely find it pretty cheesy and the album doesn't engage in too much of the really heavy stuff.