When people think of US black metal the bands that get brought up first are usually the one-man misanthropic bands, but to me US black metal is the full lineup bands like Abazagorath, Grand Belial’s Key, Kult ov Azazel, and the Texas triumvirate of Absu, Thornspawn and Averse Sefira. Anyone that thinks American black metal bands did not play a significant part in the 90’s did not listen to American black metal.

One thing that is unarguable about Averse Sefira is their reputation for quality. Everyone I talk to says either great band or never heard of them. No one ever says they suck. They are one of the most consistent black metal bands that just tinker with the formula and perfect the components, comparable to Enthroned or Cirith Gorgor in this respect. That being said any of you out there that are already familiar with the band, what are you waiting for? Go buy this disc.

For the rest of you, chaotic and rhythmic at the same time, often repeated motifs, tightly structured off kilter songs that make you feel seasick, a headbanging nod to Voivod and Mercyful Fate, what else do you need to know? This is a great live band that does exceedingly well in the studio as well. The sound quality is more raw and dirty this time but in no way hinders your ability to clearly hear all the instrumentation. The songs all tend towards seven minutes and Averse Sefira has always proven adept at long compositions, nothing here to make me wish for short and to the point. Wrath’s vocals are perhaps not as venomous but they still have their characteristic bite, and his words are still clearly understandable, shows you how much I have been listening to these guys over the years.

Musically these guys are once again hovering around brilliant, with far more virtuosity than black metal is given credit for. This is also a disc worthy of being played backwards in true subliminal infamy. Start with “Vomitorium Angelis”, the intro to which could also be the intro to the album, and then jump right into powerful repeating riffs that hold the song tightly together from beginning to end. Then play “Refractions Of An Unexploded Singularity”, nine brilliant minutes of classic Averse Sefira, especially with the ultra intense vocals and the fast and precise guitars. Work your way all the way back to album opener “Descension” with its more straightforward and less chaotic delivery, still fast and harsh, but more steadying and less prone to fits of vertigo.

A solid album from end to beginning and easily worthy of the Averse Sefira logo on the cover. Too band they felt the need to spell out the band name as well, the classic logo speaks for itself, we all know it instantly.

[Visit the band's website]

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