Bands like Manilla Road, Bathory, and Atlantean Kodex capture a scaling, triumphant view of heavy metal and its possibilities. Sons of Crom is easily assimilated among these groups because they translate a semblance that, while avoiding excessive amounts of cheese or comical explosions � la Manowar, manages to convey unparalleled emotional intensity. Calling Sons of Crom an epic heavy/doom metal band is correct, but only the tip of the creative iceberg. Musically, stout and robust riffs propel forward on driving rhythms which take on a variety of forms. "Call of the Black Mountain" makes harsh vocals and driving riffs its foundation, conjuring flares of classic Bathory influence; whereas "Golden Gates" and "Victory" lean on acoustic parts and serene melodies to express glory, misery, and the thin line between.

Every song is uniquely crafted and exceptional in its own way. The folk vibe stitched to the hefty guitar work and energetic rhythms of "Cimmerian Dance" dangles the instrumental between the determined might of heavy metal and the idiosyncratic approach of truly exceptional songwriters who are among the finest creative metal minds on the planet. "Myrkrarfar" and "Master of Shadows" are stuffed with superb melodies and excellent lead guitar parts, feats which never dwindle or spoil. "Seven Spells (The Riddle of Steel)," just a piano instrumental to end the album, is full of emotion and the wonderful melancholy Sons of Crom integrates into the album so naturally.