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Album Details

• Artist: God Seed
• Album: I Begin
• Label: Indie Recordings
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2012-11-15

Formed in the wake of a bitter split between members of the stalwart Norwegian black metal group Gorgoroth, God Seed is essentially an alternative to the former, as Gorgoroth remains an active band despite the losses. Featuring former members Gaahl (vocals) and King (bass), and including a handful of polished musicians to round out the ranks, God Seed have recently released this, their debut LP, entitled I Begin. An apt title to be certain.



I have to admit, it wasn't a sense of anticipation due to my love of Gorgoroth (of which I've never had any to mention) that caused me to stop and take notice of this record. I'd call it a simple hunch, combined with a recent desire for black metal of any sort, that led me to I Begin. Having spent ample time with it, I can say with no hesitation that I was not misled. I Begin is a potent mix of traditional, lo-fi black metal rampages and more melodically sound, tempo-tempered dirges. The resulting atmosphere of enveloping warmth and energizing passion comes from multiple sources. Unlike many bands of their ilk, God Seed are unafraid of keyboards; the orchestral and organ flourishes throughout the record are not only skillfully placed but add to, rather than detract from, the enjoyment of their containing tracks. Many tracks stand out, from the rumbling, neckbreaking opener "Awake" to the expertly crafted and shifty "Alt Liv", which earns my nod for best of the bunch. "From The Running Of Blood" has a fantastic repetitive melody that reminds one of Burzum. The only sour note to be found comes at the very end, as the techno-phile rhythm and haunted house tape samples of "Bloodline" attempt to force an atmosphere that I simply couldn't grasp.



One misstep aside, I Begin is a noteworthy debut for the experienced hands of God Seed, one that I'm sure will be much discussed in the inner circles of black metal fandom. The contraversy of Gorgoroth's breakup may have shone unexpected and advantageous light on this band's prospects, but they've more than proven themselves worthy of any hype and expectation with this warm, dark and visceral affair.  

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