I’m not sure that the organized Christian religion has been more laughable than it is right about now, what with it being used to justify atrocities against pretty much anyone who isn’t white male. Not that THAT is a new trait. It also makes for fertile soil for artists who want to torch such hypocrisy and bastardization, likely making them a new target for the alleged “pious.”

Greek spirits Jehovah on Death arrive with their first full-length “Lágrimas de Oro” (which translates to “Tears of Gold”), and their power and bombast both lashes out at such obscene public worship (something Jesus taught should be avoided) and swords being taken up in the name of any god. Powerhouse vocalist Señora Dolorosa joins an unnamed band of fellow heathens to create a form of occult rock and metal similar to Jex Thoth, the Devil’s Blood, and Blood Ceremony (without the flutes) that stands in defiance of these actions. This doesn’t reinvent the wheel or anything, but it’s catchy and vibrant in a morbid way, with the band taking from Spanish Catholicism as well as medieval beliefs and suspicions to power their engine. Next time around, pulling even more from these places, adding more rustic strings could go a long way toward setting them apart.

The title track starts with guitars driving, the leads smearing as the singing jolts adrenaline. The pace haunts as acoustics mix into the fire, adding a Spanish flavor and gusting like as storm, rich singing rousing as the dust settles. “Sacerdotal Fire” is spacey and catchy, fires exploding from corners, Dolorosa singing, “Rising up ever higher, let us go up in smoke.” Group yells power as the guitars come to life, the soloing ripping a hole in your psyche. “Para Tu Sagrada Angustia” is a quick instrumental with enchanting guitars that eventually are whipped into a frenzy, opening a portal toward “Catherine Wheel” that unleashes vintage guitars. The verses are sung almost exactly like “Stranglehold” to the point where there’s a “baby” sung in the middle of each line. It’s hard to shake, honestly. The guitar work is fiery, the bass flexes, and the heated momentum carries you over the finish line. “Suspiria (Diableria)” fades in, the embers coming to life, Dolorosa wailing, “You call to me,” as leads glimmer. Energy pulses as classic metal guitars explode, lava bubbling over.

“Blood Madonna” has riffs steaming and chugging, the singing soaring, and a summer heathen vibe making your brain find an odd section of comfort. “Oh scarlet mother, forever in our hearts, we are bound to drown,” Dolorosa howls, fiery guitars go off, and the blood in your veins bubbles and fades. “Por Quien Marchan Las Velas” is a second instrumental, drums echoing and tapping, a rattling sprint darting into “Ride on Ye Furious Host” that instantly ignites. The singing muscles as the adrenaline courses through veins, the low end chopping and quaking, soloing exploding with power. The chorus tears back in as spirits are roused from rest, the playing spellbinding and numbing. Closer “Lord, Let Me Be Your Instrument of Pain” has a thick 1980s jolt that feels about right, the singing immerses you in magic, and the guitars swelter. Dolorosa explodes, calling the song’s title over the chorus, pleading for the honor, fading just as the song was gaining momentum.

Jehovah on Death are the latest in the line of bands mining occult riches for their sound and inspiration, and “Lágrimas de Oro” is a promising first full-length effort. The fire is there, especially in the stunning vocals and muscular guitar work, but they could stand to add some more of their own personalities into the music in order to stand out. They clearly have the tools. From there, they need to find their chemistry and magic to elevate themselves to the next level of their game.

For more on the band, go here: https://jehovahondeath.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album, go here (U.S.): https://metalodyssey.8merch.us/

Or here (Europe): https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/

For more on the label, go here: https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/