Gate to Sheol

The underground black metal scene has been filled with rumour since the inception of this band, and with good reason; after all, how can a serious fan of black metal ignore a project by members and ex-members of such bands as Rites of thy Degringolade and Weapon? I decided to check what the buzz was about and obtained Gate to Sheol, and I can say with utmost conviction that this release is the best Canadian black metal release of the year, and at least in the top ten worldwide.

This MCD consists of five new tracks and the two tracks that were on the self-titled release. The opening track starts off with a sound sample of trumpets, and rapidly switches over to a furious black metal assault. The vocals delivered by Haasiophis are comparable to the ones in the newer Deathspell Omega releases, although I find they have more power to them than Mikko Aspa's. The guitarwork is original and crushing, which is to be expected from a musician such as Malevolus. The aspect of the music that stood out for me the most, however, was the inhuman drumming courtesy of Profanis(A.K.A. Paulus Kressman). The man is most likely one of the best drummers in the country; in virtually every song, the man sounds like he is trying to kill his kit. Spread throughout the songs, we have various sound samples, such as church choirs, bells, etc. that are reminiscent of Funeral Mist's Salvation album. The lyrics are written in old english, and deal mostly with Satanism on a theistic level.

Overall, this release by this (for the moment) relatively unknown canadian band contains some of the best religious black metal to have come from the pit in recent years. I cannot find anything wrong to pick apart in this release, at all. Buy this album, and praise Satan.

Here it is, one of my most anticipated releases of 2007. Yes, it's a mini CD, and yes, it lives up to every shred of anticipation I had all year.

So, after having the previous seven inch EP heighten my taste for this band, this MCD is certainly satisfying. Five new tracks, a modified line up, and the two previous EP tracks as an added bonus. What more could I ask for?

First, the production is slightly improved from the last release, but ends up being pretty much on par and completely appropriate for this style of black metal. Some have complained that the drums are the main focus of the mix. Although they are quite prominent, I don't find myself trying to dig through the drums to find the riffs. Second, it's Paulus on drums, and everyone knows that this guy rules, so there's really no reason to complain.

Anyway, the songwriting on here is pretty much a continuation of what was found on the seven inch. Riffs that shift around creating a spiral melody lash out at the listener, and float over heavy amounts of blast beats. These deviate off into counter points of more complex rhythms that serve as a part for the listener to grab onto. The riffs are full of momentum and conserve themselves throughout the song, and generally resolve well in terms of songwriting. Malevolus is an excellent composer and proves he only gets better with time.

The vocalist featured on this release, Haasiophis, has an excellent voice. I would compare his voice to that of Funeral Mist and bands such as that. He annunciates well, and has a good amount of control and maintains a grimly commanding style throughout. It's a shame this will be his only work with Gloria Diaboli.

Just like on the seven inch, Paul Kressman is found drumming here, and does a stellar job. There are a few sections scattered throughout the five songs where he does some gravity blasts which prove to be tasteful and effective. He accents along with the guitars quite well, whom Hellthorn and Malevolus provide and prove to be a deadly duo.

Also just like the seven inch, Malevolus has taken the time to add in some interesting interludes within the songs, most noticeable on the fifth track. In the middle of the song, there is some interesting minimal interludes, that end up cascading into more black metal madness, and then converge back into the same idea. Extremely effective for mood.

I've listened to this MCD countless times already and just can't get over it. Fans of Funeral Mist, Deathspell Omega, Malign, etc etc will find a lot of enjoyment, as Gloria Diaboli is certainly on top of the game for orthodox black metal. It should be noted that the lyrics are once again excellent and hold that Elizabethan English as before, very effective. Buy this, and worship Him.