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Every band entering the sludgy netherworld of proto-metal revivalism must ask themselves this: just how much do we want to sound like Sabbath? Bands like Clutch and Orange Goblin have used the trademark Iommi sound as a reference point from which newer sounds would organically evolve. Then there are bands like The Necromancers, whose occult-influenced debut so reverentially evokes the doomy space rock paranoia of Sabbath that you could be forgiven for mistaking this album as an authentic relic of the 70s. Necromancers and Lucifer’s Kin showcase an impressive ability to craft bludgeoning stoner rock riffs while Grand Orbiter simmers with the bad-trip psychedelia and shadowy atmospherics of protometal’s first wave. But by faithfully recreating that sound, they fail to establish a distinct identity and Servants Of The Salem Girl sounds like a whole lot of stuff you’ve heard before.

Hailing from San Diego, California, Joe Daly is an award-winning music journalist with over thirty years experience. Since 2010, Joe has been a regular contributor for Metal Hammer, penning cover features, news stories, album reviews and other content. Joe also writes for Classic Rock, Bass Player, Men’s Health and Outburn magazines. He has served as Music Editor for several online outlets and he has been a contributor for SPIN, the BBC and a frequent guest on several podcasts. When he’s not serenading his neighbours with black metal, Joe enjoys playing hockey, beating on his bass and fawning over his dogs.