Pagan Fire’ Serpent Warning
Album Review By Adam McCann
Topillo Records/Doom Metal
In 2014, Serpent Warning shocked the doom metal world with an excellent eponymous debut album. Unfortunately, all went quiet on the on the band front as the Finns secluded themselves away working on their latest offering ‘Pagan Fire’.
As expected with ‘Pagan Fire’, Serpent Warning do little to stray from their already tried and tested formula and to be honest, why would they? This is a formula which although has already been well trodden by many bands; it just plainly works and because of this what ‘Pagan Fire’ offers are some fantastic doom riffs and rhythms. Yet, this is not the doom that goes on forever, dragging like a seal’s arse, instead this album has all the reveries of Candlemass, Reverend Bizarre and Saint Vitus as well as a touch of tasty NWOBHM style doom with a few nods towards Witchfinder General, particularly during ‘Death’s Tower’ and ‘Room Of Illusion’. However, ‘Pagan Fire’ might not be initially gripping, it does take a few listens to get into, but it is very difficult to not fall in love with a style of doom which just flows along almost perfectly with the middle of the album being particularly impressive, if not generally unmemorable.
‘Pagan Fire’ is the best as near as damnit follow up to Serpent Warnings debut and an excellent slab of doom done correctly. In a year with excellent albums from Candlemass and Saint Vitus, ‘Pagan Fire’ can stand proudly amongst them.
Rating : 80/100
MHF Magazine/Adam McCann
