The Great Sea - Noble Art of Desolation (2025)

The Great Sea's debut album, *Noble Art of Desolation* (2025), presents a profound exploration of atmospheric black metal, intertwining elements of doom and post-metal to craft a soundscape that is both immersive and haunting. Metal Temple describes the album as "an experience so intense and consuming that it lingers long after the music has stopped," emphasizing its capacity to leave listeners feeling "numb, hollow, and haunted."

The album's composition is marked by a deliberate progression from subdued beginnings to overwhelming crescendos. "The Water Remains" initiates this journey with a gradual build-up, leading into darker territories as harsh vocals and distorted guitars emerge. Subsequent tracks like "Eden Unfolded" and "The Maze" delve deeper into desolation, with the former characterized by a relentless intensity likened to "a swarm of killer bees," and the latter evoking the tumult of natural disasters.

The band's lineup features JR and SH handling guitars, drums, bass, keys, and backing vocals, with A contributing vocals on select tracks. Special guests include Azathoth and Phil Jonas, whose contributions add depth to the album's thematic exploration of despair and existential dread.

*Noble Art of Desolation* stands as a testament to The Great Sea's ability to channel profound emotional weight through their music, offering listeners a compelling and, at times, overwhelming auditory experience.