Intimate journey from Norwegian metal pioneers

A vision of a dusty, old piano in a dark haunted house is conjured up from the opening menacing melody on Order’s sophomore album, The Gospel. The remnants from the piano’s heavy reverb creep around the listener’s mind until they are inundated with a blast of metal that’s been itching to make its entrance. The album’s opening track, “Pneuma,” is defined as the “vital spirit, soul, or creative force of a person.” The Gospel is a reflective musical journey of just that from Norwegian metal pioneers Billy Messiah (vocals) and Kjetil Manheim (drums) (both ex-Mayhem members) and Anders Odden (guitar) (Cadaver) and Stu Manx (bass) (Gluecifer). For those into blasphemy, the occult and black metal, The Gospel is a musically savory addition to any reputable collection of hell in a handbasket.

Indicated by the tracks “Rise” and “Descend,” this album is artfully organized in two parts and separated by a spoken interlude regarding the birth of destructive demons on the cleverly named track “Gal.Lu.” Each track connects perfectly to the next, exhibiting a stream of consciousness type connection from song to song. This album seems highly personal as it dives into deep, intimate revelations such as the reflections detailed on the track “Descend,” which concludes with the lyrics, “I am the tormentor, my burden is the construct I myself have built. I am the tortured.”

A standout song is “Lust,” which sounds as intriguing as the title entails. Starting with radio static and moving into an engaging howl spanning eight measures, this track includes several different melodic phrases that are easy to scream along to. With each distinct stage of this song’s journey timed to the perfect length, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at any show.

The Gospel is thematically on point both musically and lyrically. Messiah’s flawlessly executed, highly-stylized screeching vocals is an instrument in its own right. How he sustains his elongated guttural growls, especially on the track “Bringer of Salt,” is beyond comprehension. Manheim’s drumming, reminiscent of another Nordic black metal band, Bathory, is multi-faceted and relentless.

The closing track “Pneuma II” is a recapitulation of the opening theme, displaying how we start one way but end up slightly different after going through the trials and tribulations of life. Self-reflection is a wild ride that requires immense sacrifice in breaking down one’s self, but Order has managed to find their “peace in self-destruction” and thankfully chose to share The Gospel with everyone.