Albeit these Poles have some great influences, that alone does not mean that the music is good, right? That is true, but Deep Desolation know how to write some good evil metal. 'Subliminal Visions' is the debut release from the band, who formed in 2009.

Deep Desolation's music is a mixture of extreme metal styles, namely black metal, death metal and doom metal, mostly in 1980s and early 1990s style. Simplistic black metal of 'Call of the Abyss' reminds of old Samael ('Blood Ritual' [1992] era) and older Asphyx, and the song has a Trey Azagthoth-esque (Morbid Angel) guitar lead. I should mention, that everything, the instruments as well as the vocals, have more or less reverb. Therefore the atmospheres vary from otherworldly to fist-in-yer-face. The latter is perfectly presented in the second track 'Murderous Lust', which too is a simple song, but still loaded with riffs. 'Mass Murderer's Ejaculation' continues the trend finely, including more warped lead guitar effects at the end. 'Christ's Incest' is the next song and the album takes a huge plunge into more morbidly evil atmosphere in a go, as the song includes loads of ambient sounds.

The title track is a mammoth of doom, sounding very, very British, which I cannot but like. Its horn (???) sample adds to already deranged vibe of the song, working perfectly. 'Infernal Hallucinations' continues on the doomy trails, offering demented riffage and vocals. 'In a Mouth of Madness' picks up in pace a bit, but ends up being the most boring song on offer here, if not the simplest. It just doesn't go anywhere, although it includes another great guitar solo part. The final lunge 'Everlasting War' returns to more black metal-ish atmospheres, ending the album nicely. Its congregational singing samples increase already desolate spirit the song carries. The pace of the songs vary from just above mid-paced to slower, as there isn't any blasting or sluggish tempos happening.

The guitars sound punishingly ripping at times around. There is a lot of lead guitar work around riffs, that really shines when the album is listened with headphones, which are required to get every bit out of this, thanks to the echoing production job. Talking about the production; it is loud yet reverbing, and the guitars are slightly eclipsed by the pounding bass and the striking drums. The vocals are varying from declaring voice to insane, inhuman, and burbling croakings and growls. The lyrics are about humans' stupidity (religions, wars) and insanity.

If you enjoy real dark metal, you should give 'Subliminal Visions' a spin. The album isn't easy listening, even though the compositions aren't complex. At best they are very striking, for example 'Call of the Abyss', 'Murderous Lust', 'Christ's Incest' and the title track. The album can be bought at Quid Est Veritas Productions webstore.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
06/19/2011 22:14