BATHSHEBA — Servus (review)

BATHSHEBA — Servus album cover Album · 2017 · Doom Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Nightfly
I first became aware of the vocal talents of Michelle Nocon on the debut album of Belgium doomsters Serpentcult but it was on her collaboration with former Cathedral Guitarist Gaz Jennings in the superior and more traditional metal of Death Penalty that I fully appreciated what a special voice she has. Now her latest band is Bathsheba, marking a return to the more doom infused territory of Serpentcult.

Now I don’t want to take anything away from Serpentcult, whose “Weight Of Light” album showed promise back in 2008. It’s got to be said though “Servus”, the debut album from Bathsheba has a lot more substance and the songs are certainly more memorable. The band lays a solid foundation of sludgy doom for Nocon’s soaring and haunting tones. She deserves a special mention for the quality of her singing and has a rich, powerful voice but occasionally introduces a low growl which doesn’t particularly add anything but as it’s just used for the odd effect it’s not imposing. A powerful organic production certainly helps with the solid as a rock rhythm section of Jelle Stevens and Raf Meukens backing Dwight Goossens compelling ultra-heavy guitar riffs. Whilst much of the time we’re in typical slow doom territory the band don’t restrict themselves as in “Ain Soph” they even use blast beats for some of the song. “Manifest” wisely brings in some light and shade over its ten minutes before the expected explosion into heavier riffing, the song ending with a drawn out guitar solo.

Despite the heaviness on display here there’s also room for melody as evident on much of the material which you don’t have to dig too deep for, “The Sleepless Gods” being a perfect case in point and one of the best songs as it happens. Likewise on album closer “I At The End Of Everything”, another highpoint which feature Nocon’s voice at its most versatile.

“Servus” is a very promising start and I can’t help thinking that better will come from Bathsheba yet. For now though this will more than suffice and is one of the better albums in the doom genre this year.
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Nightfly wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Death Penalty are great Nicole.
666sharon666 wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Loved this. I need to check out Michelle Nocon's other bands.
Nightfly wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Cheers Adam, I'll check it out.
adg211288 wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I like this one though I think I'm overall preferring the debut of Brume. Putting together a review for that at the moment. Recommend it if you don't know it Paul.

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