SHEMHAMPHORASH - Dementia

SHEMHAMPHORASH
Dementia
Blackened Moon Productions
8/10





Culling their moniker from a mistaken Spanish pronunciation of the Hebrew “Name of 72”, Shemhamphorash summons up suitable sonic dialectical inversion on “Dementia”, betraying a strong black metal lineage in terms of influences. Certainly, those with a familiarity with the topic of Shem ha'Meforash will draw parallels to the name being an allusion to the Kabalist art of The Keys Of Solomon and the craft as well. Also, the term is a familiar one in satanic ritual, which is strictly a curiosity in light of its factual definition. Blasphemy? Regardless of the way you utter the band’s name, this three-piece makes their intentions known with appropriately evil lyrical conjuring throughout “Dementia.”

With the intention of producing a properly grim landscape, the group recalls both the bleak, adversarial atmosphere of Marduk and onward-marching thrust of Bathory on the opening cut, “Crossing My Hell,” while retaining an overall appeal that’s rather distinct. The addition of acoustic guitars into this track also give it a very progressive nature for black metal, but the stop-action riffing that follows is certainly rooted deeply in the most intense forms of classic, chaotic sounds. Elements of thrash are also apparent, with the threesome of bassist/vocalist Wilhkiem, guitarist Mikkal and drummer Nechrist opting to produce songs with enough variety and cohesion to be memorable. This attention to dynamics increases the appeal of the group’s songwriting on “The Call”, where Mikkal delivers a presence that is somewhat similar to that of Trey Azagthoth.

While it’s obvious that the group was intent on delivering a grim tone, it would have been nice to hear the bass drums up in the mix. A fuller overall sound would have done much to make this recording great. Tracks like “Bloody Falls” sound more like a demo than an actual album; again, listeners will uncover too little emphasis being placed on guitars and essentially no bass drum power to speak of. “Immortal Realm” contains another example of Azagthoth-influenced, highly-chaotic riffing and slashing, but is a bit cluttered, as the drums fall in and out of pattern with the riffing. Another negative aspect is the record’s length, with its seven tracks clocking in at just over a half hour, six minutes of which is taken up by an outro that increases the ambience of the entire affair, yet provides very little musically.

Critical attributes aside, Shemhamphorash provides enough great material on ‘Dementia” that the rough spots can be overlooked. Surely, this record remains one that fans of black metal will want to experience, with “The Call” and the opening cut especially delivering an appropriately iniquitous listen,. Essentially, this release is no longer than an EP. Even so, if you’re passionate about grim, roots-based black metal, this one’s worth the price you’ll pay.

Written By: Shemlarak