Of Golden Verse

Sermon are an enigmatic duo from the UK that emerged in 2019 and made a big impact on the progressive rock/metal scene with their debut album, Birth Of The Marvellous. After four long years of silence, the band announced a new album slated for release in March of this year. Penned by the band's mysterious leader, an anonymous musician who goes by the name Him, Of Golden Verse is now available via Prosthetic Records. If I thought the band’s 2019 debut was indeed marvelous, this new one exceeded my expectations as it is one of the most captivating and emotionally-charged full-length albums I've heard this year.

Describing the unique blend of influences that Him and his partner in crime, the skilled drummer James Stewart (Decapitated, ex-Vader), have concocted on their latest LP is no easy task. It is one of those albums that I would file under the category of “heavy music that is not necessarily heavy metal”. The guitars are mixed low but their distortion bleeds into the sound like wildfire, creating a thick, noisy wall of sound that can be both hypnotic and terrifying when paired with Stewart's incredibly powerful drumming. The initial impact may be jarring, but underneath the surface lies a richness of layers. Beautiful riffs and melodic leads ebb and flow with intricate recurring patterns, and subtle swathes of organs and synthesizers add further texture to the mix. Meanwhile, James Stewart showcases a whole gamut of techniques, from scathing blast beats to gentle cymbal work to groovy tribal-esque drumming. Him's vocals are equally eclectic, alternating between filtered vocals, possessed shouts, and melodic singing.

As I listen to this music, my neurons fire up unlikely associations to names that don't seem to have much in common: Katatonia, Soen, Mastodon, Grip Inc, Porcupine Tree, Tool … . This hotchpotch of names testifies Sermon’s skill in using familiar sounds to carve a new and personal path. In this respect, Sermon remind me of another, highly-eclectic British heavy prog act, Dawnwalker, whose latest albums also defy easy classifications by walking a tightrope between post-rock sounds and extreme metal. In fact, similar to Dawnwalker’s latest LP House of Cards, Of Golden Verse is an album that truly shines experienced as a complete work of art from start to finish. Although the record does feature several standout tracks (“Royal”, “The Distance”, “Wake the Silent”, “Golden”), it’s the emotional journey that the music takes you on throughout its 48 minutes that really resonates with the listener. The raw pain and aggression of the opening tracks (“Royal”, “Light the Witch”) gradually give way to a more introspective and contemplative mood that carries through the middle of the album (“Senescence”), before Sermon charges back into the fray with some of their heaviest and most intense pieces to date (“Wake the Silent”, “Departure”). This ebb and flow creates a breathtaking and hypnotic experience, lulling the listener into a deep and meditative state that is both crushing and uplifting.

Sermon received much praise for their debut album, making it a challenge to convince fans and critics that they may have surpassed themselves with Of Golden Verse. However, I truly believe they have. Although the sonic coordinates of the new LP are not far from those of their debut, Of Golden Verse feels more accomplished. It flows better, is more dynamic and varied, and makes for a compelling and compulsive listening experience from beginning to end. With exceptional performances from all musicians, excellent songwriting and powerful emotional delivery, it’s difficult not to praise Of Golden Verse as one of the most impressive releases of the year thus far.

[Originally written for The Metal Observer]