Crown of Serpents
Vestigial
VESTIGIAL, a band who is anything but the definition of the word, are releasing their second album "Crown of Serpents" on November 2, 2019. This is following the release of their debut album in 2018 "Fallen Skies". From the band's inception in 2016, this Michigan quartet continues to deliver the goods. The album art is by Andy Shaw. This is a conceptual album, whose ideal follows that of a King who puts on this crown of serpents and gets possessed by it. Slowly, they lead him on dark descent. A twisted descent, led by heavy hitting chords and meaty vocals. Each song a step further into the abyss.
"Dethroned" - "These ghosts that haunt my kingdom, no longer beg for freedom / As time slips through these hellish fingers, I feel their presence sinking deeper." With a haunting intro and those deep throaty vocals, this is a strong intro to the album. "Precipice" has a larger than life sound, there is nothing about this song that is soft. Vocals by Michael and Tyler Stellema are heavy and intense. This is the heart of metal. With melodic guitar to strong vocals, this song has a classic sound to it. "The Swarm" goes onward and downward into the abyss, led by its melodious layers. Snug, deep within the heavy driving musical notes. With intense drum work by Mike Miller. As well as perfectly married bass guitar by Joey Barnett.
"Blood of the Wolf" is truly with a classic melodic metal, this track can be sampled via the link I will include at the end of this article. This song features guest, Adam Hoyt. This is a furthur step into the darkness with the king. "The Hammer" has a grandiose sound, and an intellectual story line that elevates the quality of this song. This is a song many will truly enjoy. With those heavy vocals that make this album so intense. "Crown of Serpents" is an album that has such classic hard-hitting vocal chords and musical notes. All of which lead us on its dark path, only to ensnare us into its thoughtful lyrics. It's true beauty, its overall sound is altogether pleasing.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Crown of Serpents" Track-listing:
1. Phantasmorgia
2. Dethroned
3. Usurper
4. Precipice
5. The Swarm
6. Crypt Seeker
7. Blood of the Wolf
8. King Carrion
9. Treacherous
10. Hangman
11. The Hammer
12. Warlord
13. Rust
Vestigial Lineup:
Michael Stellema - Guitar, Vocals
Tyler Stellema - Guitar, Vocals
Joey Barnett - Bass Guitar
Mike Miller - Drums
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