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Sorcerer are an odd band, in that they have existed since 1988 but only released their proper debut last year. They spent 27 years in the underground, and they are best known from the 1995 release of the compilation of their demos which finally brought them attention and became something of an underground sensation, leading to the band's eventual resurrection. Last year they released In the Shadow of the Inverted Cross, which I thought had some strong tunes, but didn't really wow me. Now we have this little EP and it is a far better example of what this band is really capable of.

I find this played and mixed with much more sensitivity and texture than the songs on the album, with a more layered approach and more emotional performances. The title opener "Black" is a solid tune, and then they open up wide with the stomping, crushing "Legion of the Serpent". Just these two would be good enough, but then they make the leap to great with the epic "Into Oblivion", which is probably the greatest song they ever wrote. Vocalist Anders Engberg really has developed as a singer, and he keeps getting better and better. I think this EP features the best work of his career so far. The disc rounds out with an acoustic version of "Prayers for a King" off their debut, and is a nice way to finish off.

Overall this EP speaks very highly for the future of the band. Now their proper debut put them back on the map, I hope next time we will get a real monster of a Doom epic. Highly recommended.