Though Christianity as elbowed its way into previously untouchable genres of music, black metal despite a few attempts (Lo-Ruhamah, Frost Like Ashes, Admonish, Horde, Crimson Moonlight, etc) has generally resisted ‘unblack’ metal Christian interjections.

So how about some Christian, symphonic black metal from the depths of Colombia released on a brand new indie label based in Wisconsin?

Didn’t think that would get you too excited, but truthfully, the debut from Nephesh, regardless of religious leanings, is a pretty decent stab at early Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth styled black metal (circa Stormblast and The Principle of Evil Made Flesh respectively). And actually, even with sweeping, orchestration, its pretty raw and even a little menacing with a more gritty tone as opposed to the over polished nature of most of their stylistic peers (Sothis, Abigail Williams, Carach Angren, etc).

With structures that range from pomp laden blast beats and grizzled mid range marches, all littered with sweeping, stirring intros (”Vae Victus, “Symphony of War”) and segments of cinematic grandiosity and a wide array of vocal screeches, croaks and growls (and a coupl of clean croons), Nephesh have all of the tenets of symphonic black metal down pat. The song writing is pretty decent and the moods are appropriate as the likes “Sangre Immortal”, “Tormentor of Sins”, “Psalmorum”, the nearly 9 minute standout “Sentence Darkness” and short symphonic, choral blast of the title track all deliver quality dramatics.

Of course, the sticking point will be the Christian themes, which I’ll admit don’t really jump out at you are there no fruity prayers or hymnals, and if you didn’t know and just hit play on the CD player, you’d be none the wiser, thinking you were listening to some Christ hating act from Sweden rather than a bunch of South American Christians. And that’s somewhat of a testament to the bands grasp of the actual genre and its dynamics as Nephesh seem to come across as a competent symphonic black emtal band who happen to be Christians rather than a group of Christians simpy trying their hand a black metal.

Of course, if you dont care for Dimmu, Cradle and their ilk, Nephesh’s religious leanings won’t really matter, but if you are a more open minded fan of symphonic black metal you could do far worse than Nephesh, regardless of lyrical themes.

[Visit the band's website]

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