Averse Sefira
Advent Parallax

September 2008
Released: 2008, Candlelight Records
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Simon Lukic

Seen as one of the leaders of the US black metal movement, Averse Sefira have been developing their sound deep in the heart of Texas for 12 years now. Their latest effort ADVENT PARALLAX was released in February and it should please those who enjoyed their three previous efforts.



Often compared to Mayhem and Gorgroth, I would say that Averse Sefira are a little more death metal than most which gives there music a diverse feel much like the way Immortal was able to effectively incorporate Thrash into their blackened sound. This is clearly evident on tracks such as ‘Seance in a Warrior's Memory’ and ‘A Shower of Idols’ where the band fire away with abandon but it’s a clear attack that cuts with a surgeons precision. Songs such as ‘Refractions of an Exploded Singularity’ and ‘Viral Kinesis’ highlight the bands ability to be epic and brutal at the same time, which is extremely important as the majority of the tracks run well over the seven minute mark.



Another plus is the production which is punchy, clear, heavy and courtesy of Tore Stjerna (Watain). By forsaking the under produced, basement like efforts of their origins, Averse Sefira have been able to fully realise their ideas with a mix that truly complements their skills as musicians.



ADVENT PARALLAX displays great depth and purpose. It also offers listeners an intense sound that is both melodic and atmospheric, which reinforces the epic nature of their music. Black metal enthusiasts new to the band will certainly become big fans of the album and Averse Sefira fans…well you know what to expect, so getting this album – if you haven’t got it already, is a certainty.