Deep Desolation - Rites of Blasphemy (2012)

   Deep Desolation's activity isn't interesting only because they're playing black/doom, a rarely appearing and therefore yet untapped subgenre, but their approach is also unique. 

    On their first album they've already experimented with confidence, and its sound was more black metal compatible. By "Rites of Blasphemy" they went further, the themes are more diverse, and by the sound drifted closer to a more modern approach, that might include some drone influence. This mixed sound is definitely not usual in black metal, but from the '10s further bands tried themselves this way, usually bands with mixed styles, like black/death or crusty-sludgy black. In case of Deep Desolation the wide range of themes could be one of the reasons why they've selected this path, cause a less sizzling sound might be more advantageous for their more traditional solo themes. But another possible reason could be the various musical influences of the band members. The fact that the whole thing didn't turn out in some incoherent tangle, and the band didn't only found common ground and created unified albums, but was also able to develop their style further, proves the work of practiced musicians. In total "Rites of Blasphemy" is an excellent record and could be a milestone in the lesser known and underrated style of black/doom metal.