Serpent Sceptre’s Heirophantom: A Melodic Blackened Death Metal Triumph
Kansas City’s underground metal scene has just gained a new powerhouse with the arrival of Serpent Sceptre’s debut album, Heirophantom. Fusing the dark allure of black metal with the relentless aggression of death metal, Heirophantom delivers a bold and refreshingly intense sound that has already begun carving its place in the genre. Channeling the legacies of bands like Dissection, Immortal, and At The Gates, Serpent Sceptre has brought forth an album that’s as haunting as it is brutally exhilarating.
Born from the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic, Serpent Sceptre emerged as a collaborative rebirth for its members, who each bring an impressive background of prior local projects. United by a vision of metal that’s raw, melodic, and occult, the band’s lineup is a force to be reckoned with. Fronted by vocalist and lyricist Darian Wolf, Heirophantom invites listeners into a world of dark lore and mysticism. Wolf’s fierce, razor-sharp growls are the perfect conduit for the album’s occult-themed lyrics, delivering both menace and melody with a vocal ferocity that pierces through each track.
On guitar, Mark “Obsidian” Grier showcases a brilliant range, laying down riffs that strike the perfect balance between melody and sheer intensity. His work on tracks like “Serpent’s Creed” and the album’s title track, “Heirophantom,” demonstrates a skillful blending of blackened ferocity with memorable, hook-driven riffing that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head. Meanwhile, bassist Emma Frost provides a robust backbone, adding depth to the mix with a low end that grinds and grooves with purpose, particularly in “Damnation’s Vow,” where her playing shines through the chaos.
Behind the kit, drummer Nate Steel brings the power, driving each song forward with relentless precision. His blast beats and thunderous fills are as technical as they are instinctual, elevating tracks like “Blood Moon Ascendant” to heights that leave listeners breathless. Steel’s ability to shift between high-speed aggression and calculated restraint gives the album a dynamism that captures and holds attention from start to finish.
One of the album’s strongest points is its ability to fuse traditional blackened death metal with melodic, almost anthemic hooks. This creates an accessible entry point without sacrificing any of the raw edge fans expect. Standout tracks like “Heirophantom” and “Grim Prophecy” perfectly exemplify this balance, with haunting melodies weaving through unrelenting intensity, inviting listeners into the dark, ritualistic atmosphere that Serpent Sceptre has so masterfully crafted.
Available now on all major streaming platforms, Heirophantom is a must-listen for metal fans seeking something that pushes boundaries while honoring the genre’s roots. With a debut this strong, Serpent Sceptre is poised to become a defining force in the metal world, and Heirophantom is just the beginning of their journey.
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