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The 2-man army known as Vestal Claret and featuring Phil Swanson (Briton Rites, Seamount, etc.) and Simon Tuozzolli (ex-Earthlord, ex-Guerra, etc.), was originally formed in 2005. Since then the band has been on and off but released several recordings including three full-length studio albums. From the beginning, the name of the game for this duo has been a mix of traditional Heavy Metal and old school Doom Metal (à la Black Sabbath and Pentagram) but trying to do it a bit differently.

The Cult of Vestal Claret is the band's third album and it's a magnificently crafted record. Whenever you hear a record that invites you back over and over again, it's a clear sign things were done right. The Cult of Vestal Claret truly is such an album, with a mysterious and magical aura that will have you loving this record with all your heart. The sound is warm, authentic and stripped down and the band clearly trusts the power of a "back-to-the-roots" approach. Phil's unique, nasal vocals sound very dramatic, coaxing all the demons from the music, while adding occult power to the songs. The remake of "Black Priest" sounds as epic and demonic as ever and Vestal Claret's cover of Black Sabbath's "Who Are You?" is a triumph.

The Cult of Vestal Claret is an amazing and enjoyable record, proving that Heavy Metal done in the name of Heavy Metal, and not for the sake of commercialism or following some current, pathetic musical trend, still exists. Vestal Claret has totally earned my respect with this opus.