Violent Creed of Vengeance espouses an all killer, no filler ethos. The band followed the roadmap of Omen, Blind Guardian, Chastain, Rainbow and Tales of Medusa -- acts renowned for writing albums with front-to-end bangers. Smoulder applied this approach, hauling out seven songs that capably merge the fist-bumping bangers of Hester and the arcane and obscure numbers from Vincent. The songs are more nuanced but still enmeshed in Smoulder's now-patented blend of speed, power and doom metal, capped off by Sarah Ann's captivating vocals. The legendary Michael Whelan (Cirith Ungol, Obituary, Sepultura) once again handled the cover art. Whelen's artwork helped shape the album's theme of vengeance, particularly Sarah Ann's very pointed lyrics about taking revenge on misogynists and rapists, their enablers and the indifference of those who excuse such behavior. The red tones of Whelan's painting have a tremendous impact since red is historically associated with strong feelings: anger, violence, lust, sex, love, courage, vigor, danger, power and passion. There is also an infusion of sword, sorcery literature and films that inspired Times of Obscene Evil, including a very special guest appearance from The Eternal Champion author, Michael Moorcock. Whatever circuitous route Smoulder took to write and record Violent Creed of Vengeance, there is little dispute that the album is the next logical progression after Times of Obscene Evil. And, according to Sarah Ann, the results speak for themselves. I used to loathe when bands used the word 'mature,' she says. The same goes for when bands say 'This is our best album,' but.... this album is mature and better than the debut.
Release date:
June 2, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Green Day Warning (25th Anniversary)
Reprise
November 14, 2025 -
Charlotte De Witte Charlotte De Witte [2xLP]
Kntxt
November 7, 2025 -
Olan Monk Songs For Nothing
AD 93
November 7, 2025 -
The Replacements Let It Be [4xLP]
Rhino / Ryko
November 21, 2025 -
AVATAR DON'T GO IN THE FOREST
Black Waltz AB
October 31, 2025 -
Callum Beattie INDI (Coke Bottle)
Cooking Vinyl
January 23, 2026 -
SILVANA ESTRADA VENDRAN SUAVES LLUVIAS
Glassnote Music
December 12, 2025 -
Helado Negro The Last Sound On Earth
Big Dada
November 7, 2025 -
The Mountain Goats Through This Fire Across from Peter Balkan [2xLP]
Cadmean Dawn
November 7, 2025 -
Ugly Kid Joe Menace To Sobriety
Deko Music
December 5, 2025 -
Cat Burns How To Be Human
Sony UK
November 7, 2025 -
From Fall To Spring Entry Wounds (Magenta)
Arising Empire
October 31, 2025 -
Dear Boy Celebrator
Last Gang Records
November 14, 2025 -
Stay Inside Lunger (Yellow Glitter)
Tiny Engines
November 7, 2025