BISHOP OF HEXEN - The Nightmarish Compositions

BISHOP OF HEXEN
The Nightmarish Compositions
CCP Records
8/10




This Israeli Symphonic Black Metal outfit utilizes a variety of techniques in order to create an aptly evil atmosphere, including abstract song arrangements, sudden shifts in time signatures and dramatic elements such as eerie, creaking coffin lids and haunting pipe organ sounds. "Eyes Gaze To A Future Foreseen" is reminiscent of early Cradle Of Filth in texture and ambience and vocalist Lord Koder issues an appropriately grim rasp. When the singer adds in powerfully deep baritone clean vocals amidst the backdrop of haunting orchestration laid down by guitarist Ariel, bassist Seelenfolter, keyboardist
Dimrost and drummer Prof. Van-Helsing, the result is a substantially paranormal sound.
A Phantom Of The Opera feeling is evident in much of the group's music and the ability of Bishop Of Hexen to take the listener down unexpected musical paths is the highlight of tracks like "A Serpentine Crave" and "The Somber Grounds Of Truth." Bishop Of Hexen takes their time to write songs with plenty of unique instrumentation and with eight of the tracks meeting six minutes in length, there’s much for the devotee of dark mysticism to delve into here. Dimrost's keyboard work really stands out during many of the tracks and while not overbearing, does much to add to the frightening atmosphere present in the songs of the band. Unequivocally wicked auras permeate this entire record, from the gnarled musical roots of "A Serpentine Crave" to the strange vibrations of opener Unveil The Curtain Sanity, an introduction that sets the mood for the album in a manner very similar to Snowy Shaw's Notre Dame.

While this record is at times quite obscure sounding, it certainly would be one to set a proper Halloween mood. I’m looking forward to what comes next from this outfit, but until then, The Nightmarish Compositions will receive plenty of spins. Fans of everything from Emperor to King Diamond should take interest in this appropriately spooky symphony.


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