If you compare the two bands, it would probably surprise some that SL of Dutch Satanic prog/classic/70s rockers The Devil’s Blood cites their Swedish label mates Griftegård as musical brethren. I, for one, was surprised when I loaded Solemn.Sacred.Severe into the player the first time.

So if I’m to point to one thing that could link these two bands together musically, then, yes, The Devil’s Blood also contains elements of Black Sabbath, but not the least to the degree that these Swedes do. They have opened themselves to the sounds of doom entirely. This is heavy as time itself.

Power chord upon power chord garnished with melodic harmonies from beyond the grave pour like black honey from the speakers, mixed with one of the best doom vocals I’ve heard in a long time. Mournful, pained, choral yet not too theatrical – just the way it ought to be.

On ‘Solemn.Sacred.Severe’, Black Sabbath is always lurking around the corner, Candlemass is standing in the wings – for any fan of the genre, this debut album is a must-try.

Find yourself 47 minutes, get your best chair out, put your headphones on, lean back, close your eyes and float out on this ocean of doom. Highly recommended!