I figured there would be hundreds of bands trying to capture the name Gnosis. It's a cool name for a band; it's also a word that refers to a long history of religious knowledge, sometimes secret knowledge—just the stuff for a good black metal band. If there are other bands with some version of the word Gnosis, don't confuse them with this relatively new group out of Florida. Recently signed to Nuclear War Now!, Gnosis plays black metal in a somewhat traditional style. It's all here, folks: the harsh vocals, the chugging guitars, the (occasionally) popping bass lines, and the pounding drums. Instead of listing all the usual influences, Gnosis turns listeners' attention to Greek black metal—bands like Varathron, Mystifier, and others. The connections are clear enough, but what really matters is the music and the members of this band deliver the goods. Sure, the songs are pretty much what you'd expect, but they sound great. If I have one critique of this album it's that the drums, especially the faster runs, sound a bit crowded, sometimes even just a bit off of the right rhythm. Look, I'm no expert, but if I noticed it, someone else probably will, too. The drum thing isn't a deal-breaker, anyway. I loved this album. Give it a shot.
Track Listing:
1. Intro
2. Primaeval Light
3. The Plague of Axotus
4. Temple of the Sea
5. Chariot of the Sun-Moon
6. Cult of the Great Serpent
7. Lotan's Dwelling
8. Apzu Tiamatu
9. Gnosis
10. The Third-Eye Gate
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