Gate to Sheol

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.