Har Nevo has been one of my most anticipated albums since details of its impending release emerged. Now it is here it doesn’t disappoint. The follow up to much lauded first album ‘Monologue’. At times Har Nevo is heavy, although not in the conventional way, but it is utterly compelling.
Musically The Black Heart Rebellion have evolved into a tribalistic beast. Guitars lower in the mix, drums and additional percussive elements compliment Pieter Uyttenhove’s impassioned vocals. Opener ‘Avraham’ demonstrates this beautifully. Chimes, bells, cello and percussion blending until Uyttenhove’s breathless vocals begin. Then the feeling of being chased through the woods by an axe-murderer takes over. Something about TBHR reminds me of the much missed The God Machine, but more in the grandiose delivery rather than a direct musical comparision perhaps. There is also a shared vibe with fellow Belgian titans Amenra but without their crushing heaviness. Indeed the friendship between them extends to a collaborative sharing of artistic and musical philosophies and mutual appreciation.
Back to Har Nevo itself and ‘Crawling Low and Eating Dust’ has been re-worked since it appeared on their split with Amenra and is even more serene here. Almost spiritual in delivery, with vocals calling out “Oh sinner man“, it is stunning, goose-bump inducing brilliance. Although this is a common sensation throughout Har Nevo, an accomplishment in itself.
‘Ein Avdat’ continues with a glorious guitar melody and stomp. Vocally it conjures a feeling somewhere between New Model Army and an ancient Sea Shanty. Bizarre you may think but trust me it is infectious and as natural as the rest of the eclectic sounds throughout the album.
Elsewhere, ‘Animalesque’ features frantic drumming from Tim Byron and is more aggressive, with the guitar building tension and Uyttenhove threatening “I’m coming for you“. Melodies swirl and crash on ‘Gold And Myrrh’, in kaleidoscope of sound. ‘Into The World of Another’ brings folk into the mix, gritty and heartfelt like some age old tale of toils and struggle.
Put simply everything on Har Nevo is bold, heartfelt and amazing.
This is a truly unique album, in an age of over repetition and bandwagon jumping. A most welcome side-step that if you give yourself to, will reward time and again. Har Nevo will be released on February 15th on ConSouling Sounds and can be pre-ordered through here.
Review by Phil Johnston.
