There are few modern-day bands that can be uttered under the same breath as the giants of traditional doom and heavy metal like Spiritus Mortis. Formed in 1987 as Rigor Mortis they can firmly attest having been 'the first Finnish doom metal band', uncovering hallowed ground before the later imitators. Carrying the banner of powerful metal, such as Dio-era Sabbath, Solitude Aeturnus and Trouble, Spiritus Mortis have established a tradition of catchy songwriting and consummate knowledge of sacred riff-craft. 'The Great Seal' is an overwhelming album which Spiritus Mortis describes as 'a rite of collective suicide and an orgy of self-immolation' and plumbs the depths of epic sorrow with gargantuan slabs of igneous riffs and emotional vocals.