Alms is a new band (formed in 2016 with the Alms name coming in 2017) that plays 70s-inspired doom metal/rock on their Shadow Kingdom Records debut, Act One. Black Sabbath's down-tuned, heavily reverbed guitars are a clear influence with the addition of mournful, church organ-style keyboards that really drive home the somber atmosphere. Slow tempos are a must for doom, but they don't have to be omnipresent and Alms picks up the pace frequently and that keeps the songs on Act One interesting. I think the harmonized male and female vocals work particularly well, especially on cuts like "The Toll." This shift from the traditional male-only singing gives Alms a lot of character and I'm reminded of bands like Cirith Ungol and Pagan Altar. I'm not saying Act One is on the same footing as Mythical & Magical or One Foot in Hell, but Alms are ahead of the game in separating themselves from the rest of the doom bands out there. If classic doom and newer bands like Cauchemar and Messa do it for you, Alms is a band to add to the watchlist.