There’s a certain timelessness in old school Metal that helps it pass seamlessly from one generation to the next.
Part of it is probably aesthetics. The giant monsters and mythical creatures on the album covers call to mind ancient worlds and classic adventures, and these inspire epic daydreams about the heroes in all of us.
But what has really helped classic Metal stand the test of time is the music. Albums like Black Sabbath’s Paranoid, Pentagram’s First Daze Here, and Trouble’s Psalm 9 have inspired generation after generation because they’re heavy, bombastic, and enthralling.
And that’s the perfect place to mention Lord Mountain.
With their high-fantasy-inspired artwork, monolithic guitar riffs, and stories of epic adventures, the band channels the Doom-tinged Metal of the ‘70s and ‘80s while still making music that’s distinctly their own.
The result, then, is an exciting new album (The Oath) that’s just as fresh as it is familiar.
About Lord Mountain
Lord Mountain is a four-piece band from Santa Rosa, CA. The band members are:
- Jesse Swanson – Guitars, Vocals
- Sean Serrano – Guitars
- Andy Chism – Bass
- Pat Moore – Drums
The Oath was recorded and mixed by Harry Gale (Route 44 Studio) and mastered by Justin Weis (Trakworx).
Lord Mountain: The Oath Album Review
Tracks: 8
Length: 37:05
Release Date: January 20, 2023
Labels: King Volume Records & Kozmik Artifactz
1. Well of Fates
From the first few notes, The Oath is an improvement over the band’s 2016 self-titled EP. And that’s not a knock against the Lord Mountain EP by any means—that project was a powerful retro experience worth checking out.
Instead, “Well of Fates” (and the rest of The Oath, for that matter) simply boasts better production value.
But that doesn’t disrupt the listening experience. “Well of Fates” is packed with old-school Doom riffs and an epic, prophetic vocal delivery that resonates as singer Jesse Swanson cries, “Every man will meet his end!”
2. The Giant
“The Giant” opens on a huge, distorted riff that eventually leads into a dreary lead guitar. Stylistically, “The Giant” offers a few different guitar tones and licks that really make this track stand out.
3. Beyond the Frozen Sea
It’s unusual to see a solitary interlude track so close to the beginning of the album, but that’s what “Beyond The Frozen Sea” is. Although it’s a pretty song in its own right, it’s also a heartbreaking interlude that makes the opening for the next track, “The Last Crossing,” truly pop.
4. The Last Crossing
Thanks to the relative calm of “Beyond the Frozen Sea,” “The Last Crossing” explodes through the speakers. Riding a thick, powerful, and palm-muted riff, “The Last Crossing” has an exciting lead guitar to provide extra flourishes and fills.
5. Chasm of Time
“Chasm of Time” kicks off with an old-school Metal riff that’s as upbeat as it is gloomy. Although “Chasm of Time” is more firmly rooted in Metal than Doom, it does have the coolest (and most depressing) lines on the record: “Into the darkness, your world left behind / Forever lost in the chasm of time!”
6. The Sacrifice
“The Sacrifice” kicks off with a dual-guitar intro, and then those powerful drums enter the fray. With so much energy in the instrumentation, Swanson’s vocals provide an extra layer of emotion. Watch out for the guitar solo on the end of this track!
7. Serpent Temple
A cool name should have a cool sound, and “Serpent Temple” roars through the speakers like a boss fight soundtrack. Tip: Speakers will make this song rock, but this is the type of track you really want to crank on your headphones.
8. The Oath
Although the title track follows the same epic formula as many other songs on this record, there’s a certain sense of finality that permeates the track from start to finish. And as the band finally fades out, you’ll want to restart the album for round two.
Final Thoughts On The Oath
Standout Tracks: “The Giant” and “The Last Crossing”
Final Score: 9/10
Pros: The Oath is a timeless ode to timeless classics, and it’s all tied together thematically and lyrically for a cohesive, explosive experience.
With its powerful Metal riffs, Doom undertones, and strong vocals, The Oath is your soundtrack for slaying dragons or simply fighting traffic on the morning commute.
Cons: Because The Oath so closely imitates so many great bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s, there’s not a ton of innovation here—and that can make one song sound like the next.
But that quality ultimately works in the album’s favor. The Oath is simultaneously new but familiar, and that will help people latch onto its sound for the entire ride.
Learn More About Lord Mountain
To learn more about Lord Mountain, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or Bandcamp.