Los Angeles-based doom/thrash trio The Cimmerian embarks on an epic, sonic conquest with their first full-length album, An Age Undreamed Of, released on January 10, 2025. With influences ranging from the thunderous rumble of Black Sabbath to the raw energy of Motörhead and Venom, The Cimmerian crafts an album that captures the spirit of high adventure, barbarian chaos, and untamed wilds.
The album opens with “Shadow Kingdom,” a thunderous introduction to The Cimmerian‘s world of sword and sorcery. The track’s sludgy, fuzz-laden riffs intertwine with bassist/vocalist Nicolas Rocha’s gravelly growl, setting the stage for the chaos that follows. The drumming of David Morales—powerful and primal—anchors the swirling tempest, evoking the relentless march of ancient armies.
“Neck Breaker of the Mountain” shifts into galloping thrash territory, with guitarist David Gein delivering piercing solos and razor-sharp rhythms, embodying the destructive energy of Gates of Slumber and the unrelenting drive of classic heavy metal. In contrast, “Silver and Gold” slows the pace, leaning more into doom metal’s atmospheric weight. Its mournful riffs and melancholic melodies evoke a sense of grim introspection, creating a powerful juxtaposition to the more frantic tracks.
Lyrically, An Age Undreamed Of delves deep into mythology and historical literature, presenting tales of adventure and doom. Tracks like “Darkwolf” and “Mournblade” conjure imagery of lone warriors and cursed blades, the band’s storytelling complemented by their visceral, wall-of-sound production. These mid-tempo epics offer a respite from the album’s frenetic pacing, immersing the listener in cinematic soundscapes.
The album’s centerpiece, “Black Coast Tigris,” is a sprawling, dynamic track that showcases The Cimmerian’s ability to merge doom’s crushing weight with thrash’s speed. The interplay between bass and guitar creates an immersive, almost hypnotic atmosphere, pulling listeners into the tides of Crom’s unforgiving world.
The album culminates with “Deathstalker” and “Monarch,” two tracks that feel like the summation of The Cimmerian’s journey. “Deathstalker” delivers a pummeling assault, with Morales’ relentless drumming driving the band into the album’s climax. Meanwhile, “Monarch” feels grand and triumphant, its slower, doom-laden passages offering a sense of finality befitting an album of such scale.
An Age Undreamed Of is a remarkable debut full-length, one that solidifies The Cimmerian as a rising force in the metal underground. The album captures the ferocity of thrash, the heaviness of doom, and the spirit of adventure with finesse, paying homage to its influences while carving out its own identity.
Fans of fantasy-inspired metal and anyone seeking an album that feels like a journey into an ancient, brutal world will find An Age Undreamed Of to be a powerful and satisfying listen. With a polished sound that retains its raw edge, The Cimmerian has ensured that Crom will smile upon them—and perhaps upon us, too.
