(c’95-2008) Rich Marchant (guitar), Stuart Norman (vocals / guitar) Simon Hilton (bass), and Ed Harrison (drums)

While the band was born in Guildford in ’95, the four tracks on Desolation’s first demo, “Nemesis”, didn’t hit the streets until 2001, but provided a full 25 minutes of melodic / atmospheric black metal. This was quickly followed that same year by the EP “Witching Moon”, carrying seven brand new tunes.

2002’s SOD Records “Blood in the Water” compilation CD ROM front

In 2002 the band’s “The Bright Sun” was included on SOD Records “Blood in the Water” compilation CD, which carried tracks from 83 other bands and was included with SOD Magazine #19, Summer 2002. Three years later Metal Hammer added “Blindsight” to 2005’s ‘Razor: Music from the Cutting Edge’ [MHR140CD1/06/05].

2005’s Metal Hammer ‘Razor: Music from the Cutting Edge’ compilation front

“Blindsight” was the opening track to the bands CD LP “The Stone Oracles” [SFP003], recorded at Night of Day Studios and produced / engineered by Stuart Norman [SFP003] released on the Shadowflame Productions label the prior year, which included an 8-page booklet. 2004 was also the year that Liquefied Skeleton guitarist Ben Ash joined the band.

The band reverted to self-releasing for their next CD LP, released in 2007, titled “Lexicon V”. Whether this was before or after Ash left the band is unclear.

Ash went on to play in Pig Iron and Carcass.

Gallery:

2001’s “Nemesis” demo
2002’s SOD Records “Blood in the Water” compilation CD ROM back
2004’s “The Stone Oracles”
2004’s “The Stone Oracles” back
2005’s Metal Hammer ‘Razor: Music from the Cutting Edge’ compilation back
2007’s “Lexicon V”
Desolation promo image