In Death We Meet is the first full-length album recorded by the original lineup, featuring eight previously unreleased tracks written between 1991 and 2010.
Derketa’s In Death We Meet is a masterpiece of unrefined death/doom, showcasing the essence of the genre with a blend of grim atmosphere, haunting riffs, and unrelenting heaviness. The album opens with "Goddess of Death," a ten-minute journey that encapsulates the raw, primal energy Derketa has honed since their inception in 1988. Here, Sharon Bascovsky’s vocals command attention, delivering guttural growls that resonate with a dark intensity, while the band's grinding riffs and sparse yet powerful drumwork set the pace of an enduring march into the depths of doom.
The album’s production embraces a rough, lo-fi feel, hearkening back to the sound of classic demos and cassette recordings. Each track builds on a foundation of simple yet impactful riff patterns, drawing comparisons to the likes of Autopsy and Bolt Thrower, while maintaining a distinctive, ominous quality. Even without high tempos or blast beats, Derketa’s music carries an infectious momentum, each note and rhythm carefully calibrated to evoke an atmosphere of decay and despair.
Tracks like “Until Our Death” and “Last Rites” stand out, not just for their memorable melodies but also for the band’s ability to create tension through layering and contrast. The guitars shift seamlessly from churning, doom-laden riffs to eerie, tremolo-picked passages that amplify the album’s haunting aura. The occasional use of bells and wind sound effects adds a cinematic touch, further immersing the listener in Derketa’s grim soundscape.
This album offers an authentic, undiluted take on death/doom, prioritizing atmosphere and raw emotion over technical flash. For fans of early '90s death metal or anyone seeking a timeless relic of doom-infused heaviness, In Death We Meet is essential—both as a historical artifact and as a testament to Derketa’s enduring place in the genre.
