Crypt Sermon – currently guitarist Steve Jansson (Daeva, Unrest), vocalist Brooks Wilson (Unrest), drummer Enrique Sagarnaga (Daeva, The Silver), guitarist Frank Chin (Daeva), bassist Matt Knox (Horrendous, The Silver), and keyboardist Tanner Anderson (Obsequiae, Majesties) – is now streaming the instant doom classic "Heavy Is The Crown Of Bone" alongside a music video by The C.O.I.N. The song comes from Crypt Sermon's upcoming record The Stygian Rose, due out June 14.
"This song follows our unnamed protagonist summon an entity from 'The Ars Goetia' as he seeks sacred consummation with the Divine Feminine," said Wilson. "We were happy to work with The C.O.I.N. in achieving our concept, adding a visual element to our music that incorporates much of the esoteric symbolism embedded in The Stygian Rose."
Crypt Sermon tracked The Stygian Rose at Redwoods in Philadelphia. Arthur Rizk produced, mixed, and mastered the record, Aidan Elias engineered it. Pre-orders are available here.
The Stygian Rose follows a character inspired by Paschal Beverly Randolf, an early American spiritualist and sex magician. On The Stygian Rose, the unnamed character seeks to reconnect with his now maybe dead, definitely lost (though intentionally left vague) idealized female, embodying the Sophia/Shakti/Persephone divine wisdom/feminine concept. This lost love is believed to be waiting for him, calling for him from 'the hollow.'
Conceived by Wilson, the protagonist's harrowing jaunt starts with album opener "Glimmers in the Underworld" and ends naturally with the title track. The story, as unfurled in the lyrics, is directly connected to the album's artwork and booklet, painstakingly painted and illustrated by Wilson.
"I didn't want to feel burdened by heavy metal tropes," said Wilson. "I wanted to be able to use them but not be bound by them."
Added Jansson: "We wanted The Stygian Rose to scratch a lot of itches that aren't being scratched. That's my goal when I make music. I want to make things that I don't hear other people doing or at least don't hear others doing all in one package. I agree, it also has to have staying power and replay value. That addictive feeling you had when you listened to records as a teenager."
