CD review SERPENT WARNING ‘Pagan Fire’

(7/10) Five years after having premiered Finnish Doom Metal passionistas Serpent Warning return with a new longplayer. ‘Pagan Fire’ so the title of the latest proof of work, carries seven songs. Since the band had to face line-up changes in 2015/2016 work on the new album took a bit longer than expected. Finally the metal scene can welcome the newest strike reaching us from Finland.

With Marko Purhonen a new guitarist joined along the way and what’s even more important is the new frontman. Singer Jimi Lehtijoki got on board in 2016 and the sophomore album is the also the first one for him. One thing right away, the guys does a good job, already reflected in the opener. Next to solely singing Lehtijoki also added some desperate screams, being a distraction at first sight and a well-placed moment after a few times listening to it.

‘Pagan Fire’ is a well-done album. Slow-paced riffs, a good sense for melodies and basic vibe of melancholy is what this release brings to the table. Good stuff.