Occult rock…proto-metal…devil pop…call it what you will, the surprising success of GHOST has seen a rise in similar bands. Most are just derivative bandwagon-jumpers, but once in a while, you strike gold and that’s where we find JEHOVAH ON DEATH. Here’s a band that sets their own bar and then tries to jump it.
The group hails from Greece, which is surprising, given that Lagrimas De Oro has a very Spanish flavor to it. That’s one of the things that helps it stand out. I would describe their sound as drawing on the first three BLUE ÖYSTER CULT albums, the first GHOST album (before they became so overproduced) and female-led occult rock like BLOOD CEREMONY and JESS AND THE ANCIENT ONES. Their ability to mix ghostly melodies with powerful, murky proto-metal is uncanny. There is a heft and weight to tunes like the title track, ‘Blood Madonna’ and the power-packed ‘Ride On, Ye Furious Host’ that is not found in most GHOST-ish bands.
Vocals are handled by the veiled Senora Dolorosa and she has just the right touch for this material. She doesn’t spend time trying to impress with operatic vocals, but instead leans 100% into the melodies of the song. The result is eerie and understated, heard nowhere better than the haunting ‘Lord, Let Me Be Your Instrument Of Pain’. Songs are no longer than they have to be and that results in a smooth listen all around. It’s a very natural sounding record.
This is a band that definitely has something cooking. They’re one of the most unique bands on the I, Voidhanger label and maybe the only one capable of real commercial success. I’m very interested to see where JOD goes!
Review By: Dr. Abner Mality
JEHOVAH ON DEATH
Lagrimas de Oro
I, Voidhanger Records