Review: “Thrice Majestic” by The Cimmerian (1st Anniversary)

The story goes that while performing together in Crossover Thrash outfit Septik Onslaught, like minded Metal heads and scene veterans in guitarist David Gein (ex-Black Pyramid, The Scimitar) and bassist vocalist Nicolas Rocha (ex-Deathkings, Pendulous) began working on some new material together which simply didn’t fit the framework. Instead of changing direction, the pair continued down the left hand path and were soon joined by drummer David Morales, a man who made a huge impression with his energetic approach, style and by bringing Halloween candy to the first try-out jam session. Those songs would eventually be shaped into the ones that appear on the bands debut EP “Thrice Majestic“, recorded and mixed by Robert Frank at Minor Chord Studio March 2022 for a 17th June release. A year later, how does the first work of the Doom Thrash trio stand up?

It has to be said that influences of bands like High On Fire, Lair of the Minotaur, Black Sabbath and perhaps even Mastodon bleed through the bandages on “Thrice Majestic” in the best possible way with Gein providing riffs fit for Worship by Stoner Metal fans from the very start of opening cut “Howls Of Lust And Fury“. Combine those with Rocha’s storytelling abilities and Morales powerhouse kit performance and you’re on to something with a delicious wickedness. Tales that muse of Swords, Sorcery and the fate of Mankind at the hands of a Wrathful God hint at a mutual love of writers like Robert E. Howard are the bands stock in trade. “Silver And Gold” changes gear to something of a mid tempo Death march, scalding the ear drums over eight minutes of big riffs as longer periods of instrumentation to mesmerise. One of the things that really gives the band an edge is the gravelly tones of Rocha’s vocals which are the kind that would work in any genre of Metal. Clean enough that every word is clear and understood and yet harsh enough to have a cutting edge. “Emerald Scripture” increases the temperature as the lyrical title track, some classy leads adding fuel to the fire of this towering inferno, the extra pace and energy ensuring the band don’t become lost in monolithic madness. While all the cuts represent high grade Doom Thrash of the finest order, “Neckbreaker Of The Mountain” is the one which stands out from the pack. Maintaining the thematic and aesthetic of the Indiana Jones like adventure, the rugged fury of Rocha’s vocal as he becomes Humbaba, the beast who does the snapping of necks, adds that little bit of extra spice. A rampage through Old School stylings with plenty of nostalgic charm and sharp edges, “Thrice Majestic” is a stone cold winner of a good time [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Howls Of Lust And Fury
2. Silver And Gold
3. Emerald Scripture
4. Neckbreaker Of The Mountain

“Thrice Majestic” by The Cimmerian is out now and available over at bandcamp