Gehenna - First Spell (Album Review)

Tracklist:

1. The Shivering Voice of the Ghost

2. Unearthly Loose Palace

3. Angelwings and Ravenclaws

4. The Conquering of Hirsir

5. Morningstar

This is the first full-length album from the Norwegian black metal four-piece lead by Sanrabb. Gehenna was formed in January 1993 as a nameless project by Sanrabb, Dolgar and Sir Vereda, it wasn’t given a name until they had enough material which would properly represent their voice.

This is an impressive debut full-length that holds the attention almost immediately with its short brooding gothic instrumental organ section that open’s the first track, to its gloomy acoustic and keyboard elements that play an important role throughout the album.

Sanrabb provides very raw vocals that give a palpable sense of dark and cold gothic gloom. The vocals are also well mixed and are clear and audible throughout.

The more traditional black metal instruments (guitar, bass and drums) do seem to take a back seat in much of the album, and are usually overpowered by the very audible keyboard section.

My personal favourite track from the album is probably either The Shivering Voice of the Ghost, or the early Bathory inspired Morningstar.

Overall this is very good album, and is a superb debut full length that I highly recommend checking out.