Ramesses - Misanthropic Alchemy (2007)

The official anouncement that Ramesses called it a day really was on of the most saddening news to appear on my screen lately. After ten years of success and productivity the legendary doom trio split up and left us wondering why with our jaws dropped. Anyways, life goes on..
 "Misanthropic Alchemy" is Ramesses' debut full-length, released in 2007, following the success of their "We Will Lead You to Glorious Times"  EP. In "Misanthropic Alchemy" Ramesses reached as high as they'd ever go, and believe me, they did go very high..
 7 tracks, two of them being instrumental. What makes this album that great is the diversity among each song. They do combine faster parts with ultra-doomy sections and ambience. The opener (Ramesses Pt. 1) is an extremely aggressive, up-tempo track, an onslaught that suits perfectly with the epicness of the lenghty Ramesses Pt. 2  that follows. Lords Misrule, an absolutely devastating piece of doom that slowly evolves into a journey in darkness and obscurity. Coat of Arms  really separates itself from the rest of the album from the very beginning with its mezmerizing and sorrowful guitar and thick basslines that complete the atmospheric soundscape created by the guitars, a trully occult scenery. Before the Jackals  continues in the same vein as Lords Misrule, being heavy and doomy.
 Apart from the diversity, this album shines because of the overall feeling and atmosphere, which are present throughout the whole 48 minutes. This is the reason that makes it almost inevitable for the listener to hear it at once. The production fits perfectly with the heavy and dense guitars and the thick basslines. Vocally there's also variety as they range from death growls, to more shrieky and even clean vocals. Drumwise there's nothing to be told, as it is widely known that Mark Greening is a fuckin' beast behind it's tortured drumkit with the weirdly tuned snare drum.
 So, overall this is their magnum opus, an essential album for everyone that loves doom, sludge, black or death metal. A nmasterpiece of the Underground, a tombstone. A filthy deformed titanic slug crawling behind you, willing to consume your soul..so, beware!

R.I.P. Ramesses 2003-2012

Thank you.