Rising once again from the desert shadows of Las Vegas, Psalm — one of the most intriguing new voices in the Doom underground — unveil their latest EP “In Darkness… Have Mercy,” now available on Bandcamp. The US-based quartet—already featured in an exclusive interview on our pages (read it here)—delivers a compact, intense, and deeply personal work that blends Doom, Heavy Rock, and expressive dynamics with a distinctive voice. The EP opens with the monolithic “Misery,” immediately setting the tone with thick distortion, deep and resonant bass lines, and massive drumming. A shift in tempo unleashes a wave of amplifier-driven heaviness, filled with groove and character. The vocals are dynamic and emotive, perfectly conveying the lyrical weight of the track. The guitar work evolves fluidly throughout, offering engaging riff development and tasteful solo flourishes that enrich the arrangement. “Messiah,” like the rest of the record, features intense, thought-provoking lyrics. It begins with ominous, brooding arpeggios that build a cavernous sonic atmosphere before erupting into Heavy riffage. The warm and expressive vocal delivery gives the song emotional depth, guiding the listener through its peaks and valleys. As the track expands into more forceful passages, the interplay between instruments becomes more intricate, culminating in a final burst of rhythmic aggression that hits with surgical precision—bass, guitar, and drums in full cohesion. Next comes “Value the Suffering,” another powerful track that wastes no time in making its presence felt. Raw, abrasive riffs and a stone-solid rhythm section lay the foundation. The song, in both title and tone, explores the notion of pain and endurance, seamlessly matched by the vocal phrasing. In its second half, the band gradually builds intensity, with accelerating momentum and a dramatic edge reminiscent of Candlemass at their most epic—a bold nod, yet reimagined through Psalm’s own vision. Closing the EP is “Blessed Are the Cursed ’25,” a newly reworked version of a track originally featured on last year’s debut EP. The band succeeds in updating the piece while making it feel like a natural fit within this new chapter. The signature massive riffs return, backed by a rhythm section loaded with groove. It’s a fitting finale, leaving a strong impression and a clear message: Psalm are not done yet, and this is only the beginning. It’s always a pleasure to discover releases that feel genuine, crafted with passion—and that’s exactly what Psalm deliver here. As confirmed in our interview, their music stems from sincere dedication, and that passion is what gives this EP its edge. The band draws inspiration from the greats of the genre, but filters it through their own creative lens, producing a sound that’s gritty, immersive, and built for the stage. “In Darkness… Have Mercy” is highly recommended for fans of modern Heavy sounds, rich in Doom foundations but unafraid to explore broader artistic territory. A short but striking listen that leaves us eager to hear more.
Tracklist
01. Misery (04:56)
02. Messiah (05:15)
03. Value The Suffering (04:20)
04. Blessed Are The Cursed’ 25 (04:22)
Lineup
Jon “Fro” Torres / Vocals & Bass
Carlos Martinez / Guitar
Ian Henneforth / Drums
Stream the full EP on our YouTube channel: