SACRED DAWN – Dismal Swamp

Chicago based Prog Metal band Sacred Dawn burst onto the scene in 2006 with their excellent debut album Gears of the Machine, and in 2011 they followed up with a second great effort A Madness Within. Fast forward to 12 years later, and the band is finally following up with their long awaited third album: Dismal Swamp. Founding vocalist/guitarist Lothar Keller has brought back original guitarist John Vitale, with Joey Vega on bass, while adding Mike Mousel on the drums.

Worth The Wait

Sacred Dawn – Dismal Swamp definitely does not disappoint, with it’s tight arrangements, and near perfect blend of Prog and Classic Heavy Metal. Lothar Keller and John Vitale started working on the new material during the 2020 lockdown, and as evidenced the down time from the pandemic was put to good use. The album is self-released through Lothar Keller’s own label Qumran Records, and is a shining example to bands who are thinking of self release.

Final Notes

Dismal Swamp has everything any self-respecting Prog Metal fan could ask for: heavy riffs, melodic to screaming vocals, cool time changes, and great musicianship all the way around. The album’s eight songs run at just over 46 minutes, which feels like the perfect length with each song capturing your attention and never letting go. Fans of Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and Sons of Apollo will love Dismal Swamp, and it’s highly recommended to add this one to your collection.

Lineup

• Lothar Keller – Vocals/Guitar
• John Vitale – Guitar
• Joey Vega – Bass
• Mike Mousel – Drums

Dismal Swamp – Tracklist

1. Das Chaos Beginnt
2. Unintended Consequences
3. Truth Be Told
4. Blood and Treasure
5. A Dream Within
6. Let Chaos Reign
7. One More Day
8. The Lake of the Dismal Swamp