Mephorash, from Uppsala, Sweden, have come a long way in recent years, and their third full-length effort 1557 - Rites of Nullification is the proof. The band was formed in 2010 and already has three albums out, the second of which Chalice of Thagirion was not well received by critics. I think that the tune has now changed. Some differences are eloquent by themselves: Chalice of Thagirion contained eleven songs, while the new album contains four long tracks covering a playtime of 42 minutes. The approach is also different in terms of quality, not only quantity, in the sense that the previous album was almost death metal, while the new one is pure black metal.
What the guys from Uppsala deliver is occult black metal, not only for the lyrics but also for the music and the dense and obscure atmosphere, which makes Rites of Nullification a concept album. Besides, the title is emblematic. You will sense this eeriness from the very beginning of the first song “Riphyon- The Tree of Assiyah Putrescent”, when introductory keyboards and ecstatic percussions start the ritual, then singer Mashkelah M'Ralaa begins his furious invocations. The song then develops in a masterful and majestic way. This album is very studied and contains a great deal of variation that never bores the listener. But the production is also very studied: the sounds are perfect for this album, and the second track “Phezur- Dissolving The Sea of Yetzirah” exemplifies how a good production is decisive. From the point of view of lyrical themes, Mephorash are not dilettantish blasphemers, but they have a culture rooted in a large number of readings. The album was indeed released along with the book Rites of Nullification written by French occultist and nobleman Gilles de Laval, who lived in the fifteenth century. The album closes in a circular way as it had started, with the same keyboards and the same percussions. I do not think it is just a casuality because the circle is an important symbol within occultism and Mephorash have it also in their logo. The album features several guest vocalists (see lineup below) including Nebiros of Malign who also participates in the band's live shows and is actually a member of the band.
1557 - Rites of Nullification is a great album and also a turning point and will surely give the Swedish band an international status.
Notes:
1557 - Rites of Nullification was released on September 1 2015 on Odium Records as a deluxe six panel digipack and as and vinyl together with the book Rites of Nullification written by Gilles de Laval. Physical and digital album, and merchandise can be purchased through the Bandcamp players below: the review also includes a player for the EP Sfaíra Ti̱s Fo̱tiás released on August 15 2015.
Personnel:
Mishbar Bovmeph: Guitars (lead), Bass, Vocals (backing)
Ayram Etaumiel: Guitars (rhythm), Bass
Mashkelah M'Ralaa: Vocals
Guest/Session
Nebiros: Vocals (track 1)
Omega A.D.: Vocals (track 4)
K. Koudousnes: Vocals (track 3)
Deacon D.: Vocals (additional)
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
What the guys from Uppsala deliver is occult black metal, not only for the lyrics but also for the music and the dense and obscure atmosphere, which makes Rites of Nullification a concept album. Besides, the title is emblematic. You will sense this eeriness from the very beginning of the first song “Riphyon- The Tree of Assiyah Putrescent”, when introductory keyboards and ecstatic percussions start the ritual, then singer Mashkelah M'Ralaa begins his furious invocations. The song then develops in a masterful and majestic way. This album is very studied and contains a great deal of variation that never bores the listener. But the production is also very studied: the sounds are perfect for this album, and the second track “Phezur- Dissolving The Sea of Yetzirah” exemplifies how a good production is decisive. From the point of view of lyrical themes, Mephorash are not dilettantish blasphemers, but they have a culture rooted in a large number of readings. The album was indeed released along with the book Rites of Nullification written by French occultist and nobleman Gilles de Laval, who lived in the fifteenth century. The album closes in a circular way as it had started, with the same keyboards and the same percussions. I do not think it is just a casuality because the circle is an important symbol within occultism and Mephorash have it also in their logo. The album features several guest vocalists (see lineup below) including Nebiros of Malign who also participates in the band's live shows and is actually a member of the band.
1557 - Rites of Nullification is a great album and also a turning point and will surely give the Swedish band an international status.
Notes:
1557 - Rites of Nullification was released on September 1 2015 on Odium Records as a deluxe six panel digipack and as and vinyl together with the book Rites of Nullification written by Gilles de Laval. Physical and digital album, and merchandise can be purchased through the Bandcamp players below: the review also includes a player for the EP Sfaíra Ti̱s Fo̱tiás released on August 15 2015.
Personnel:
Mishbar Bovmeph: Guitars (lead), Bass, Vocals (backing)
Ayram Etaumiel: Guitars (rhythm), Bass
Mashkelah M'Ralaa: Vocals
Guest/Session
Nebiros: Vocals (track 1)
Omega A.D.: Vocals (track 4)
K. Koudousnes: Vocals (track 3)
Deacon D.: Vocals (additional)
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
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