ALBUM REVIEW: DESOLATE REALM Self Titled Album Full Of Heavy Metal Groove

3rd June 2021 Admin

Formed by members of Decaying, Chalice and Altar of Betelgeuze, Helsinki’s duo of Matias Nastolin and Olli Törrönen kniown as DESOLATE REALM combine the epic grandeur of doom-metal acts like Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus with classic heavy-metal of Savatage and Metal Church and the mighty groove of Black Sabbath.

Formed in 2018, the two lads followed up on their debut EP “Unleash the Storm” released in early 2020, with their first full-length album featuring eight new tracks full of epic melodies and gripping, hard and heavy riffs. This is doom-metal that leans on old-school and classic influences so you won’t find fuzz or psychedelic textures here, instead, the epic melodies, heavy riffs and belting vocals are the driving force of this album.

Kicking off “Desolate Realm” is “Spire” which just immediately assaults your senses with what can only be described as a nordic bulldozer of doom metal that cannot be stopped. It is glorious in every way. “Beneath the Surface” has just a solid resounding groove throughout that just drives the whole song along. It’s has such an epic viking vibe to it and is glorious to listen too. Slow and steady is the name of the game with “The Circle” as the resounding groove belts through the speakers. A real headbanger of a doom track with a smidgen of Black Sabbath sprinkled on top. “Crypt” is fast and furious taking no prisoners while the “Reckoning” lands with a blow as if from a Thunder Hammer, full of electrified grooves and riffs. The Emperor of Man would be pleased. Next is “The Chosen” and continues the endless epic doom with a powerful relentlessness. “A Tall Order” feels like a metal battlecry calling all to war on the eve of battle. it just fills your head with images of a total war. Finally comes “Tormented Souls“, a monster track to finish off the whole album. Starting slow it soon builds on groove upon groove in a satisfying way.

Overall, it is a really solid doom metal album and has satisfyingly hard and heavy grooves throughout that will have you headbanging away before you know it. It is also an album you can listen again and again without getting bored. The album is filled to the brim with eight excellent tracks and not one a filler. Each one is an individual anthem to Desolate Realm. The sound of the guitar, bass and drums with the vocal style of Matias feels like a cross between Type O Negative, Sabaton and White Zombie. And is magnificent in every way. It is an exceptional tribute to this duo that they sound like a chunky four or five man group.

If you’re a fan of epic and traditional doom-metal like be sure to give “Desolate Realm” a listen, you won’t be disappointed.