Swedish Stoners SERPENT are a band that definitely don't rest on their laurels. Since their formation in 2012, they've managed to produce an EP and two albums consisting of really solid, catchy Doom Metal. However, to draw any comparisons between this bands sound and a single other musical entity is quite hard; Their sound spans through almost all of the established styles that fall under the rather large umbrella of what is considered "Doom Metal", from your more classic sounds through to much denser, thicker Stoner Metal tropes. No album illustrates just how eclectic this bands sound is than their latest offering, "Nekromant", an album that leaps between styles and tones with an ease and grace that is pretty much second nature.

This albums opener, "Hounds of Hell", is a thick, atmospheric and groove-laden piece of music, with dozens of great guitar hooks, juggernaut drumming and powerful vocals. The song shifts from a steady pace through to a much more speed-driven as the song progresses, and its got lots of great ideas within it, It's a very strong opening effort that really sets the bar high for the rest of the record. "Doom On You" continues down a very similar route to the first track, although the main guitar lines on here are a slight improvement on the ones that have come before, and the vocals have more of a sing along quality to them. "Feverdream", which begins with some rhythmic drumming, has a much more atmospheric quality to it, especially with regards to the tone used on both the guitars and the vocals. This song essential couples the ethereal sound of ALUNAH with the Classic Rock sensibilities of bands like SAHG, and the end result is an infectious, catchy tune that it's hard not to like. "Demon On Our Side" bursts out of the speakers at a fast paced gallop, and has some really interesting, imaginative instrumentation on all fronts. It's got a palpable, Hard Rock flourish to it that really makes it stand out and grab the listeners attention. "Hey You", with its fuzzy guitar tone and epic overall sound, is one of the albums highlights. There's enough hooks and impressive vocal performances on here to make this a stand out track for the record, and it has plenty of potential to become a future fan favourite.

The albums sixth track, "Praying For A Curse", is a speed-driven affair, with some inspired instrumentation, especially from the drums, which are as varied and catchy as any of the guitar lines on here are. It's got all of the hallmarks of an excellent Hard Rock track; in particular, a soaring guitar solo that really brings the whole of the track to life. "Leave This World" is a great piece of 70's Rock inspired riffing, made up of some really catchy guitar work, potent, airy vocal lines and competent, warm drumming. It's the longest track on the album, but is performed so skilfully, and contains so many inspired sections of music, that it feels far shorter and leaves the listener wanting more.  The second to last track on this record, "This Is My Time" is another longer, weightier piece of music that helps bring the album to its climactic moments perfectly. With its opening, sludgy bass line and some powerful, classic Doom chops, it's one of this albums stand out musical numbers, complete with a palpable atmosphere and chunky guitar lines. It's an absolutely great penultimate offering. The final song on the record, "Master of Ceremony", which opens on a hair-raisingly good Hammond organ style piece of music, giving way to some infectious, exciting and upbeat Stoner Doom. It's got all the sort of fuzzy tones and slick musicianship that Stoner fans have come to love. It's a fittingly good end to a great record.

This isn't exactly the most original record out there, but it is definitely an eclectic and amazing one. Taking the listener through dense Doom, crushing Classic Rock and airy, seductive Stoner licks, this is one of those records that certainly has something for all fans of Doom and Hard Rock to enjoy. This is a really good record, and regardless of where you sit on the Doom spectrum, I'm sure that "Nekromant" will have something on it to whet your musical appetite.