What makes First Spell by Gehenna notable?

First Spell gained significant attention for its unique blend of melodic elements within the black metal genre, contributing to the aesthetic development of the Norwegian scene. Its release helped solidify Gehenna's presence, leading to performances alongside prominent acts and influencing subsequent bands with its atmospheric style. Released in 1994, First Spell marked Gehenna's debut studio album, establishing them as key players in the Norwegian black metal scene. The album followed their earlier demo material, showcasing a more refined sound that would resonate with fans of the genre during its formative years.

How many songs are on First Spell?

First Spell has 14 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

First Spell

Gehenna · 1994

58 min · 14 tracks · black metal

Dark and atmospheric melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an immersive journey through the shadows of black metal's early days.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Shivering Voice of the Ghost — This track opens the album with chilling melodies and evocative lyrics that set the tone for the entire record, encapsulating its haunting atmosphere.
→
A Witch Is Born — With its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, this track exemplifies Gehenna's ability to weave storytelling into their music, showcasing their lyrical depth.
→
Night of the Serpent's Judgement — This song features a powerful riff and intense vocal delivery that highlights the band's signature sound while illustrating themes of darkness and mysticism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric elements with aggressive vocals, marking its place in early Norwegian black metal.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of atmospheric keyboards that create a haunting backdrop for the guitar riffs.
Vocals alternate between high-pitched shrieks and deep growls, enhancing the dynamic range across tracks.
Several tracks incorporate ambient interludes that serve as transitions, affecting the pacing and flow of the album.
The last track is an extended outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unease.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Shivering Voice of the Ghost 6:04
2 Unearthly Loose Palace 5:45
3 Angelwings and Ravenclaws 2:51
4 The Conquering of Hirsir 6:07
5 Morningstar 5:57
6 Midwinter Forest 3:22
7 A Witch Is Born 5:36
8 Night of the Serpent's Judgement 4:42
9 Intro 0:46
10 Two Demons Eight Spirits 2:30
11 Black Seared Heart 3:43
12 Angelwings and Ravenclaws 2:41
13 The Chariots That Carried Her to the Grave 5:30
14 Outro, Parts 1, 2 3:13

What to play next

Listen next

Seen Through the Veils of Darkness (The Second Spell)

1995

Go back to

Black Seared Heart

1993

Full Gehenna discography Artists like Gehenna

black metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata