Gospelheim - Into Smithereens

 

Band: Gospelheim

Single: Into Smithereens

Release date: 30 July 2021

Record label: self released

Genre: Black Metal / Avant-Garde Metal / Dark Metal

From: Manchester, UK 

 


It’s rare to find me reviewing black metal. Being located in Norway, and being in the scene myself, there is a great abundance of bands that place themselves in the genre. However I find most black metal quite uninspiring.

In contrast, Gospelheim were able to capture my attention at once the vocals kicked in. While it lacks the keyboard melodies, this track makes me at once think of Arcturus and Borknagar.

 

The band is a trio, consisting of R.M. - Vocals and Guitar A.K. - Vocals and Bass C.O. – Drums. I believe there are some ambient keyboards as well, however it’s not clear who performed those.

The band got together as late as 2019, but it’s clear from the performance that all 3 are experienced and accomplished musicians.

 

Intentionally or not, they fit very well into the Scandinavian black metal tradition. At the same time, they were able to bring into their music something new, which was central in the black metal of the 90s, but unfortunately got lost in the 2nd wave of black metal.

 

The single “Into Smithereens” is heavy, and at the same time very melodic. The melodies have a certain folk feel without falling into the trap of playing folk instead of metal, reminding me of Enslaved and Ulver.

The mood reminds a bit of old Opeth as well as Primordial, and the song is delivered with great emotion, complimenting the lyrics.

 

Contrasting a lot of smaller black metal bands, the mix is clear and well rounded, making this song a great introduction into extreme metal to those only listening to the lighter subgenres of metal.

The band themselves describe their music as a mix of gothic rock, classic heavy metal and black metal. I think however they would fit well into the Avant-Garde subgenre of metal, with the beforementioned Arcturus and Vulture Industries.

 

I’m looking forward to hearing more from Gospelheim and will definitively check out their album when the time comes.

 

You can follow them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/gospelheim

As well as on bandcamp: https://gospelheim.bandcamp.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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