The Great Sea - Noble Art of Desolation

The Great Sea is a black metal band from Germany, who formed in 2022; “Noble Art of Desolation,” is their debut full-length album.

This is a powerful debut album and I’m surprised this is their only release because it sounds like a band that has their shit together for years. Of course, the two main musicians JR and H, have been in the scene for some time, coming from bands like Misery Speaks and Black Horizons, among others. 

According to the band they wanted the album to, “create a feeling where you can experience nature and find yourself within it.” Well, they straight up nailed turning music into that experience. This is a majestic album that’s heavy on atmosphere and imaginative songwriting. The ebb and flow of nature can be as destructive as it can be beautiful. That description aptly applies to “Noble Art of Desolation,” too, as well as the often unpredictable elements of nature. 

With that being said, this is still a black metal album and, as such, has more than enough guts and guile to offset the atmospheric textures. It really is a strongly composed, beautiful album that handles its dynamics and myriad approaches well. 

A lot of albums only fit certain moods or maybe certain situations. But I feel that this album can be enjoyed at any time because it's so effective in pulling me into its world. It doesn’t matter what is going on outside because, for the movement, I’m living inside the tapestry of this album. 

Check out the opening drums of “The Water Remains,” which begin like the first gentle rumbles of a far off but soon approach storm. The clean instruments help the song break into heavier waters, with a gripping scream and a blanket of distortion. I like how the song is fast as hell yet the riffs and drums still offer an atmospheric approach. The song combines two worlds, aggressive and atmospheric, in a thought provoking, emotional way.

“The Maze,” is an ominous song that has a frightening layer to it, as if no matter the situation humans are powerless to nature and must give themselves to it, rather than fight it. Subtle keys mix with the whiplash drums and guitars—it’s a big wall of sound but it’s moving ever forward. The last minute or so is more riff based with just enough groove to add a harrowing layer to its finality.

The final song, “Walking at the Edge of Death,” is an apocalyptic banger of a song that really represents what the band wanted to accomplish on this album. It’s a layered approach that is best listened to multiple times to get the full vision—and that won’t be a problem because it’s a damn fine song. I really like the halfmark mark, where the music grows very dark yet melancholic and sullen.

The clean tones work in the song’s favor, pairing well with the heavier aspects and the extreme vocals. After a brief clean portion, a passage of post elements in the form of the band jamming it out hits around the 6 minute mark.  

The Great Sea’s “Noble Art of Desolation,” is a well crafted debut album from a band that already sounds wise beyond its years. I can’t wait to see what they do next.  

Rating: Excellent