“Gematria” is not just another made up word used as the name of a metal band, but an ancient system of Jewish numerology that reduces words to numbers which reveal inner meaning.
OK, that’s out of the way, how about the band of the same name? It’s a two-man combo that actually uses the process of gematria to put together their music, which can best be described as progressive instrumentals with elements of metal, jazz and electronica. Whatever magic or method they use, it works! Gematria II: The Spindle Of Necessity is a delightfully energetic romp of coherent instrumental music that entertains the open mind. Is it metal? No, I wouldn’t say so, even though electric guitar plays a significant part in what they do. The drumming of Steve Honoshowsky is a revelation and really drives the album more than any other instrument. He gives the kit a lusty banging but plays with the precision of a machine.
A good thing about GEMATRIA is that the songs are all short and snappy. There’s a ton of range throughout the tunes but boredom never happens. I was fearing 15 to 20 tracks that droned on and on, but there’s none of that here. My interest was keen and I enjoyed hearing the differences between songs, like the cosmic spaciness of ‘By Its Own Nature’, the playful ‘The Elusive Ones’ and the mysterious sounding ‘Ritual’. Synths play a big part, too, and help bring a “space rock” atmosphere to the music. You don’t have to worry about whether the singer is any good, because there is none!
This is one of the best instrumental albums I’ve heard in many years. GEMATRIA takes influence from KING CRIMSON, ALAN PARSONS, HAWKWIND, GARY NUMAN, jazz fusion and more and makes magic from numbers and letters.
Review By: Dr. Abner Mality
GEMATRIA
Gematria II: The Spindle Of Necessity
Nefarious Industries
4.5 / 6