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Sabbath Assembly have been known for performing hymns from The Process Church of the Final Judgment in whole or in part with previous album, Quaternity being a mix of hymns and original works. The Texas/New York group have broken from that template and Sabbath Assembly represents entirely original compositions.

Essentially they’ve reinvented themselves prompting a sort of reintroduction through self-titling the album.


The band is composed of vocalist Jamie Myers, guitarist Kevin Hufnagel, drummer David Christian, Eva Vonne on viola and new bassist Johnny DeBlase. With this new lineup the album feels like more of a band effort rather than a basis for Myers’ vocal ministry.

One can feel the change immediately as opening track “Risen From Below” ushers in a sense of doom and dread, both lyrically and musically. This gives way to a galloping Iron Maiden-esque run with DeBlase owning a bass line that could give Steve Harris a run for his money. Hufnagel too shines with leads soaring amongst the heavens (with a bit of Middle Eastern flavor) as well as crawling in dark places.

Its follow-up “Confessing a Murder” continues the powerful surge. The main riff here is sinister and foreboding, the feel of which permeates the track. It’s got swagger and hip-shaking groove to spare, compelling the listener to become physically involved.

The lyrics may be all original but they still have a sense of poetic ritualism and ancient roots, which fits Myers’ voice and delivery perfectly.

Her command in creating mood and dynamics is superb, ranging from angelic to bewitching. She’s just as well suited to campfire folk style (the voice/acoustic, Sylvie Jensen penned “Shadows of Emptiness”) as she is to the more metal side of the band.

Much of the album sounds based on traditional doom (Trouble, Candlemass etc) hanging from a scaffold of NWOBHM, often moving into more sensual melodic territory. With the exception of “Shadows” and “Apparition of the Revolution” there’s a more powerful energy, a louder energy. “Only You” demonstrates this with a definite NWOBHM vibe falling into quiet, melodicism with Myers sweetly singing as a massive dirging plod takes hold then blasts into a speed-laden metal trip.

Single “Ave Satanas” too is fast, dynamic and ethereal with Myers again soothing the ears and mind but with ominous melody and the anthemic “Ave Satan!” It’s a powerful track on many levels with Christian pounding away as well as utilizing a gentler touch. This leads into “Sharp Edge of the Earth” where Vonne is able to shine beside Hufnagel’s excellent solos.

The break from “scripture” has given Sabbath Assembly new life. This version is undoubtedly more of a metal band than they ever were on Quaternity. Gone is the reliance on acoustics, yet here they’re still prevalent and used as another element to their dynamics. The songs of Sabbath Assembly have more power behind the messages of personal strength in the face of doom and heartache.

Myers’ ancient and eternally wise voice joins forces with the band behind her to create a stunning album that is both captivating and flat out rockin’. Their old work did work in the context of the material but was nowhere near as engaging and exciting as Sabbath Assembly. Witness and rejoice!

(released September 11, 2015 on Svart Records)