MEPHORASH – 1557: Rites of Nullification review

 MEPHORASH – 1557: Rites of Nullification

Odium Records

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When you do this for a long time and by this I mean listening to albums and presenting them, it’s difficult to get overly excited and enthused, because over the years you’ve had the chance to listen to hundreds of releases. So, I don’t think I need to state and underline any further how stunned I was when I listened to “1557: Rites of Nullification”. We all know that Sweden has one of the best and most dynamic metal scenes in the world and has been producing gems nonstop, but still when you come across such a great band you feel like a teenager first discovering the depth and beauty of metal music.

Now, MEPHORASH, which is one of the best black metal bands I’ve heard in a long time, hail from Uppsala, Sweden and they were formed approximately five years ago with “1557: Rites of Nullification” being their third full length release. The album consists of four tracks and has a total running time that exceeds forty minutes which means that each songs lasts for about 10 minutes give or take. This, usually, makes me apprehensive because in most cases such long songs tire and bore me to death. This wasn’t the case here since each song unfolds little by little and evolves throughout its duration, which means that you won’t hear one certain style from beginning to end… the songs have a variation in their tempos from mid paced to ultra fast with relentless blast beating and they are enriched with a claustrophobic, gloomy and demonic atmosphere. The rhythm section is solid and concrete accompanied by sharp, hellish guitars and superb demonic growling which elevates the end result and underlines the blackness and coldness of the songs. The production is very clear and dynamic and the CD comes in a very beautiful, enchanting digipak format that will make you look at it and delve into it for hours. I’m definitely impressed and from now on I’ll keep a close eye on MEPHORASH! If you are into black metal then by all means check them out!

Christine  Parastatidou