U.S. Doom Lords NORTHERN CROWN have released a song, “Forged from Nothing,” which is taken from the band’s forthcoming self-titled sophomore album. You can stream the song in the Bandcamp widget below.
NORTHERN CROWN will release their self-titled sophomore album on October 12. Pre-order packages are available now, including the limited edition (300 copies) LP-style gatefold CD version coupled with digital album download. You can also stream another new song, “Chasing the Sun,” the download of which is included with the limited edition pre-order option.
The band has sharpened the approach on the forthcoming full-length, combining more dirty rock organ and chunky guitar riffs with their trademark doom-isms. Following up on their debut album The Others, their self-titled sophomore release maintains the smoke and mirrors of the first EP In The Hands of The Betrayer but leans more in the direction of the first record and the band’s oldest rock influences – DIO, RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, and BLACK SABBATH.
NORTHERN CROWN handled mixing on their own again, but brought in the mastering talents of Tony Lindgren from Sweden’s Fascination Street Studios (WITCHCRAFT, ENSLAVED, AMORPHIS) for the final touches. Artwork by prolific artist Travis Smith(OPETH, Katatonia, DEATH) captures the album’s winding atmosphere, rounding out the release.
Reflecting the uncertainty of the dark times we exist in at the moment, Northern Crown tackles the difficult subject of how well we really know ourselves and how that shapes what we do and become. Echoing their previous releases’ indulgent 10-minute+ epics, the track, “The Desert and The Wind,” nods to the prog-heads, while the band also includes a glowing tribute to MY DYING PRIDE with a full cover of “Your River.” The record also introduces a lineup change, with vocalist and guitarist Frank Serafine handling drums. WEAPONLORD‘s mighty Leona Hayward returns on bass, backing Zachary Randall‘s guitar alchemy and harsh vocals. Solos from NIGHTFALL/DARK HOUND lead shred-monster Evan Hensley punctuate the record.
