GEVURAH – Necheshirion (2013)

Genre(s): Orthodox Black Metal

Label(s): Profound Lore, Graceless Recordings
Rating: 8/10

Right from the commencement of the album, this record amazes. “The Essence Unbound” is straightforwardly malevolent; one can imagine a boot to the teeth of a hipster, it's that satisfying. “Flesh Bounds Desecrated” proceeds from a racing start. The highlight of the album, though, is definitely “The Throne of Lucifer”. Consisting of only a few evil riffs, the main and intro one of which is one of those that riffs. It just hooks you in your very soul. The greatness of this song cannot be understated, from lyrics to music. “Divine Ignition” is another very fast song, perhaps not as exemplary as the rest, although that may just be an illusion due to the excellence and magnificence of the song immediately preceding it. The closer to this stellar EP is a Malign cover, a classic in Orthodox Black Metal called “Entering Timeless Halls.” Gevurah really does it justice.

Gevurah has progressed incredibly since the release of their first demo, which I have on cassette, known as Anno MMXI, released, obviously, in 2011. The band refuses all interviews (at least, up until this point), and wishes to be known solely by their initials, X.T. (drums and vocals), and A.L. (guitar and bass). If nothing else, it should speak volumes that they are on Profound Lore, a label known for releasing quality music. Gevurah also steadfastly remains separate from the “métal noir québécois” movement, despite hailing from Québec. In my opinion, they are Canada's best band.

I own Necheshirion on CD, and will own it on vinyl once Graceless releases it. It needs to be mentioned that the vinyl will be remastered for vinyl only. One can stream/buy it digitally here (there is a link for you to obtain the CD as well). I recommend buying the CD, because a.) it has the lyrics, b.) the artwork is amazing. Hebrew on the front (it is Gevurah and a quotation from a popular source, rendered in the Hebrew. What it says, you'll just have to do that work yourself (or find someone who knows Hebrew!). If you want to wait for the vinyl, pay attention to Graceless Recordings's website.

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