They probably don't need an introduction but RUNEMAGICK is a Swedish Death/Doom band that formed way back in 1990 as DESIDERIUS before changing their name.  "Into Desolate Realms," is their thirteenth studio album!  With such a long career, does the band still have what it takes to bring the Doom?  Hell yes they do. The opening track, "Remnants of the Old," is one that perfectly sets up the rest of the album.  The atmosphere is hellish with a cloud of impending doom hanging over it all.  When Nicklas growls out the track's title with his deep growls, the full force of the band hits.  It is one of the shorter tracks but also one of the most effective for setting the album's mood.

The title track, "Into Desolate Realms," strikes the next blow.  The riffs are tumultuous and thick, coming together with the dread bass, powerful drums, and devastating vocals to cement the band's brand of caustic Death/Doom.  The song's middle portion and the last two minutes are an examples of how Doom can be somewhat frightening even while smashing you into oblivion. The track ends perfectly for the beginning of "The Opening of Dead Gates," to stomp its way through.  This song is the soundtrack for entering an unknown situation and succumbing to the inevitable realization that your mistake will cost you everything.  This track just gets heavier and darker as it goes along-a perfect example of how to do Death/Doom.

"In The Sign of The Dragon Star," is one of the more atmospheric songs on the album.  There is just something about the overall feel of the track that is all encompassing.  What could it be?  Oh yeah, the multitude of riffs, brutal drums, and the last three minutes that would please any Doom Metal fan. "Wolves of Nocturnal Light," is over twelve minutes long and a absolute beast of a song.  The beginning is a slow, dark build up that opens up around the three minute mark to a surprisingly melodic guitar solo.  As it fades to the back ground, monstrous riffs keep the momentum going before the tempo changes to lumbering but still crushing.  Around the half way point, the tempo increases greatly for a crescendo.  However, the song doesn't stop there-the last five minutes are a Doom Metal mind fuck with trippy, cavernous lead guitar and demonic rhythms making this a jam session from the darkest of corners.

RUNEMAGICK have crafted a near perfect Death/Doom album that has a deep, almost endless sound to it.  "Into Desolate Realms," hits that sweet spot of extremely dark music that also has a keen eye on composition and song writing. If you are a fan of Doom, especially the kind with elements of Death Metal, this one better be near the top of your list.