It’s been almost a year since Alkemia’s first offering ‘Depulsus’. However, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one finding out about it a little late. ‘Depulsus’ was released independently and that might have contributed to this album not being promoted as much. The band was formed in 2023 and holds many (ex)members of Sarcasm (Sweden), which leads me to believe that Alkemia is somewhat of a side-project wherein the Sarcasm crew could explore a different musical direction. For those in the unknowing, Sarcasm play a melodic mix of Black- and Death Metal. The dominant style here is Death/Doom Metal with a strong nod to Paradise Lost.
The album starts with an atmospheric intro (as part of Dormant and Macabre), not unlike the soundtrack of The Elder Scrolls – Skyrim. When the full instrumental barrage do kick in, you’re immediately submerged into a sorrowful, dreadful world. ‘Depulsus’ is set to draw inspiration for the Doom Metal genre and explores it to the fullest throughout a set of six tracks. It’s a wild guess that the members once sat down and discussed their love of the genre and finally decided to concoct a mix of their own. This then led to a sort of homage, a monument with strong resemblances to the greatest of (Death)Doom Metal icons. Paradise Lost, as said earlier, is what I pick up most strongly. Furthermore, traces of Funeral (Nor) and at times over Amorphis (‘Elegy’ era) are never far away.
It’s no crime to draw heavy influence from your idols, but what about the execution? Each song flows really well and it is obvious these men have mastered their craft in other bands (Sarcasm). Beyond the almost constant wailing of haunting melodies lie nicely crafted supporting riffs. Keyboards are splintered in throughout the album and are used to add to the guitar riffs and leads, not unlike what My Dying Bride is famous for. There are times that the keyboard take on a more prominent role too, which is usually the point where my enjoyment is hampered, but it is done very gently here. Hevan Bozarslan’s vocals have never been my favourite as his throat does feel a little brittle at times in Sarcasm. The same can be said here. His delivery is quite raspy and the false-cord of his aren’t as meaty as many contemporaries. However, the vocals are effective and that’s about as much as they do for me on this record.
Overall, Alkemia’s debut is a strong one. Death/Doom Metal is the name of the game here and ‘Depulsus’ doesn’t redefine the genre. It must be stated that the aim of this musical project is to pay homage to the greats and in that it has succeeded. I’ve got a soft spot for Paradise Lost and hearing the strong influences here feels like arriving somewhere familiar. The obvious downside is the lack of originality. Though that was never the aim, it also leads me to tuning in to other bands first before I remember about Alkemia. However, when’re eventually tuned in to ‘Depulsus’ you’re here to stay and let the sorrowing shrills of melancholy sooth the soul.
