"9.5/10" - Metal District (Germany)

"Battle's Clarion" is over the top and will be one of the most optimal releases of 2001... a damn good and majestic opus!"
- Proscriptor McGovern (ABSU)

"Quite an impressive dose of brutality done using black metal as the primary weapon. Complete with corpse-paint and spikes these guys generate a hateful mixture of aggression and darkness, focusing on the raw attack of drums and guitars with screaming BM vocals providing the vocal assault. With good production, impressive musicianship and a focused approach behind their back, the end result is a fine exercise in brutality that rivals the likes of Marduk or Kult ov Azazel. The band's style has that good old-school grim and evil feeling to it we all like so much. With bands such as Nicodemus, Serpents Eclipse, Kult ov Azazel and now Averse Sefira it seems the U.S.A. finally has a real good BM scene to speak of. 6 / 8"
- Corridor of Cells (Canada)

"Excellent cold, harsh Black Metal - grim and cold without being atmospheric - very old school influences. No use of keyboards or female vocals needed. This is the way its supposed to be done. Bone dry and no rest for the wicked - a wall of static and noise-filled evil. Great vocals accompanied by blistering guitar and solid, blasting drums. And they wear an interesting form of corpse paint. OK, that is useless, but I had to throw it in! Good stuff! Very nordic."
- Metal Observer (Germany)

"This band escaped my notice until recently. In the last few weeks I have seen many reviews touting this band as the best of American black metal. That seems lofty praise, but maybe not unwarranted. If not the best, definitely one of the better. One reviewer said "extremely dissonant and chaotic-more unlistenable than DARKTHRONE's Transylvanian Hunger" That got my attention, I LIKE that album. I've read things like "venomously spirited yet eerily haunting...insanely technical... drums played with tight control...vocals are a wailing acidic rasp -insanely out of control...tons of breakneck changes and not a whole lot of repetition." I can't disagree. What first came to mind when I turned it on was VOIVOD's Killing Technology. You would not confuse the two bands, but they share that feel of totally out of control unpredictability. I could describe the components of their music-noise samples incorporated into songs, technical and fast melodies, the use of vocals as an expressive instrument... sound familiar? They don't seem very original when described this way. A cross between old EMPEROR, IMMORTAL and SATYRICON with IMMOLATION thrown in to liven things up. Somehow their music is more than that, it works, I find I don't dismiss it to the background, but concentrate on the details. They have the chaotic complexity of EMPEROR but not the majestic flair. I find the songs too short. With this style of music I think they should be longer and these guys seem to have the abilities to pull it off. I like the death metal influences, definitely adds an American feel to an otherwise Scandinavian styling. This Trio is fully corpse-painted and says the paint is a component of their dedication to this form of music. I don't need to see them to understand their dedication, but I think it adds to their presentation. Corpse paint is a big plus for this style of black metal. They say lyrically they are influenced by feelings of triumph, loss, camaraderie, betrayal ...and a hint of epic poetry. "So many bands write endless songs about blaspheming this, christ- hating that...it's so tedious and empty. We wanted to tell stories and get people to think about the message within those stories." These guys formed in 1996 and this is their 2nd release. I can't comment on how they have progressed because I am not familiar with their first album, but I would recommend Battle's Clarion to all fans of old school black metal. Fans of the more accessible symphonic style should probably stay away, probably too chaotic for you.... a band to keep an ear out for in the future."
- Grimulf, Digitalmetal (USA)

"I first listened to Averse Sefira´s music in the Visionaries of the Macabre Vol. 2 Compilation (yes; the one I reviewed on last issue). The band got my attention because of the tightness in their playing and the use of electronic drums. Now, with the addition of a real drummer they develope their style of raw black metal with interesting atmospheres and riffs (check the beginning of "Condemned to Glory" to see some unconventional riffing and drumming). Really rotten vocals and an emphasis on dissonances and exotic melodies are what distinguish this band from others of the same style (check the melody at 2:23 of the above mentioned track to see what I am talking about. Tracks at full speed like "Deathymn" (great middle part at 1:02) are hand to hand with really calm tracks like the third one called "Withering the Storm" that is like an ambient interlude with some nature sounds. My absolutely favorite track in this album is "The Nascent Ones...", really atmospheric (some Slayer and Satyricon influences in there) with great sound like in all the album. A powerful release from this guys from whom I would like to listen more in the future. Favorite tracks: "The Nascent Ones", "Fallen beneath the Earth" and "Argument Obscura"
- Music Extreme (Argentina)

"Black Metal is a kind of music that many people see in connection with philosophy. For those on the outside (me included) it is hard to understand, when the philosophie becomes a priority over the music. Aside from this Averse Serfia can also win a lot with the strength of their music, after you have spent hours trying to decipher their absolutely unreadable logo. In addition the production of "Battle's Clarion" clear enough so that one can recognize that these boys can play their insturments and that the songs are varied enough. Here keyboards would also be effective when they are added properly. All in all, if someone is interested in a wide spectrum of music they will probably pass over Averse Sefira. But for fans of this genre this CD is a good buy."
- Metal Online (Germany)

"Black Metal bands from the United States are not considered the "real thing" when compared with the Scandinavian variety and find it hard to establish some credibility. Averse Sefira are a bunch of Texans who are writing and playing black metal that will go towards changing this. Although their sound is influenced by the likes of Dark Funeral, Setherial, Immortal and the like, these guys are genuinely stepping away from just copying their influences. On Battle's Clarion there are some classic elements but with an individuality that allows the listener to say that they have not heard this before. The opening and title track is a strong example of what these guys are capable of, sounding like a "clarion" droning along in the background while all hell breaks loose with aggresive guitar work and evil vocals. Averse Sefira have not fallen for the trap of demanding a raw sound and believing that you have to have a crappy mix and production to acheive this. The nine track album has two atmospheric offerings that go well towards creating a good overall feel. There are also some additional sounds throughout, not overdone, that add to Battle's Clarion's appeal without detracting from it's "underground" credentials. The cover artwork is awesome and the inside band photos indicate that they are puritanical black metal faithfuls adorned with good old corpse paint and spikes. Unholy Hails to Averse Sefira."
- Utopia (Australia)

"Averse Sefira is a trio band playing Black Metal and coming from the US. They exist from 1996 and this is their second full length release, with a new drummer, who is doing an excellent job, just as the other two members of course. Their sound is early 90's Black Metal, with supersonic speeds and more slow and rhythmic parts, and some few Death elements here and there to spice things up. Their music is exactly as a Black Metal sound should be, no melodies or keyboards have been used to create their music,except some atmospheric passages and intros, and although melodies exist, they have been created only from guitars, bass and drums. Their music is intense and deadly, and is a blend of oldfashioned and fresh elements bonded together with an absolutely unique way. The arrangements are very good, with enough good ideas, mixed with some early 90's music and stuff, and bring some of the most interesting Black Metal music I have heard for quite some time. The production is very good, and helps the band very much, without making their music sound fake or too clear. This release is for fans of pure Black Metal, and for sure deserves your attention. - 8/10"
- Metal Guide (Germany)

"If there was ever a band that embodied the most agonizing torment found in the deep-est recesses of Hell ever imaginable, chances are Averse Sefira would certainly be it. Having succumbed myself to several long enduring listens to this, the band's second effort and finest achievement thus far,I've now come to the conclusion that it serves to epitomize just about everything that makes the American New Wave of Black Metal scene an intangible force to be reckoned with. Never, and I mean NEVER have I heard something so venomously spirited yet eerily haunting all at the same time. Much akin to a Tolkien inspired war epic, this 9 song affair takes you on a dizzying journey through some of the most highly dramatic scenarios imaginable; blood-spattered battlegrounds, hellish 4th dimensions, and phantasm guarded graveyards. Yet this is just the icing on the cake. Musically things tend to get insanely technical which evidently stems from a backround of latter 90's Death Metal influences (Angelcorpse, Rebaellion,and to a lesser extent God Dethroned often comes to mind) yet fuses it with the sensibilities of the European mindset. The two songs "Condemned to Glory" and "Deathhymn" are just two prime examples. Quick picking single noted riffs (think back to Immortal's "Blizzard Beasts" as one prime example) are coupled with steady midpaced offtime snarebeats to convey somewhat of a gloriously triumphant feeling. Remarkably blasts are only utulized sparingly, mostly as a means of climax than just merely showing off which in itself is a clear indication of a group's versatility. Y'know usually when I put on a Death Metal CD these days it seems the first thing to ultimately bombard my ears are the repetitively overdone blast beats which often serve sadly enough as the backbone throughout the whole entire songwriting. Of course, Krisiun is definitely one culprit that comes to mind. Yet thankfully this is not the case here, though the chaotically paced title track is perhaps just one exception. Otherwise the drums tend to be played with much more of a tighter control. Having said that, skinsman "The Carcass" (?!!) exhibits a far more greater discipline than some of hispeers. As if right on cue, he seems to know when to let go and when to pull back the reigns a bit which can be a found on the 5th track, "The Nascent Ones." Here he manages to keep the rhythm lowkey just enough to allow the ascending arpegiated riffs and airy bass to surge forward in a more cold ambient state. Oh speaking of "cold." another aspect that works well to this band's advantage are the vocals. Showcasing a powerfully high range (and a huge set of lungs), guitarist and runner up for this year's silly name award, Sanguine Asmodel Nocturne lunges forth with a wailing acidic rasp that can only be likened to more insanely out of control, Tomas Lindberg. Yet when they are drenched in reverb, the effect is pretty damn fucking scary! It's like the kind of long piercing screech you'd hear emanating from a pitch black forest; shrill and echoing. Of course, I could go on and on but you get the idea. Then again perhaps mere words alone wouldn't even fulfill even the slightest description. Thatís just how great this is and seeing how it's a major step up from everything around it, Iím betting the world we just haven't seen the last of these boys yet. You just wait and see!"
- Metal Maniacs (USA) 12/01 issue

"Raw black metal with a very original sound! Some of these riffs are very fucked. The delivery is similar to most black metal bands, with a rough sound and lots of abrasive speed, however this is completely discordant and constantly unmelodic. Imagine Gorguts meets Cryptopsy playing Norwegian black metal. Insane. There are tons of breakneck changes and not a whole lot of repetition. A few of the "normal" moments are similar to Marduk, and early Morbid Angel also comes to mind during sparse jagged chord progressions. This is definitely some weird riffing! These guys just use a lot of really thick, weird, nasty note combinations. And of course the vocals are the typical high screams. A few tracks like "Withering the Storm" are interludes of synthesizers and ambient noise. As a plus, the bass is distinctly audible (adding some well needed density) and the guitars are clear, so the overall tones are definitely okay. Originality is certainly their strength, and black metal fans ...should love this."
- Aversion Online (USA)

"That's one of best Black Metal acts in the United States. Corpse paint, pins, evil images, darkest & extremiest riffs + moods are most characteristic for this band. In short: it brings nearer to you the meaning of Black Metal. The second stuff of this horde is its best and extremiest release to the date with skilled and brave perform- ance which includes insane riffing and speed drum work. That all could be compared to some kind of ancient Death Metal sound mixed with purest Black Metal aura but also blackish performance. Praiseworthy, last nail to coffin is a fact that vokills on this full lenght were performed by two most insane yet alive BM legends: MkM of Antaeus & Lord Imperial of (in)glorious Krieg... As you can see this is killer release with no mercy and with only need to kill."
- Agonia (Poland)

"One of the finest examples of American black metal is back. AVERSE SEFIRA have refined much of what they began on the Homecoming's March debut. The noise samples have been incorporated more into their songs, creating what I could term to be a musical version of ABRUPTUM. This is something I have been longing for for quite some time now. It's about time someone did this kind of thing, as it has been hinted at by several bands for many years, but no one has had the balls to do it until now. AVERSE SEFIRA is not black metal for everyone, as they are extremely dissonant and chaotic, creating blasphemy and the most horrid sounds imaginable. Many people who found DARKTHRONE's Transylvanian Hunger to be unlistenable will find this to be even moreso in a lot of ways. But for those of us up to the challenge, it will be a worthy listening experience."
- Metal Nightmare (USA)

"All of the black metal fans who are fed up always listening to those trendies bands coming out every day should pay attention to Averse Sefira. Even if the band doesn't come from Scandinavia, the unhealthy black spirit stays the same as the one of majors European bands! On Battle's Clarion, only death is ruling and it give more dimensions to those blasphemous tracks with black atmospheres. A US band which rival very easily with legends of true black metal...8.5/10"
- Metal Spirit (France)

"In all honesty, I was not looking forward to a new Averse Sefira release that much. I had not listened to 'Homecoming's March' for a while, and the relistening session I had, came off as a badly executed Abigor / Immortal mix and I just couldn't get back the amazement that I felt when I first got the album. So putting the album on, it started with one of their famous intro's. I expected this to last several minutes as it did on 'Homecomings March', yet instantly the album ripps forth with blazing guitar and some very, very good drum work. The band has enlisted a highly technical drummer by the name of 'The Carcass', and now attain elements of death metal as can be found in Angelcorpse for instance. The track features very good lead work, and melodic structures that I think are unique to them, none of it sounds like a direct clone, its all intertwined very well. While the title track is strong, it might just be the worst track on the whole album, as 'Condemned to Glory' leaves it in its tracks. Blazing off quickly with powerful lead work and strong drum and bass combinations, and using the vocals as a expressive and instrumental tool, brining the technical clashes and speed breaks into perspective. There are more vocal sections and far more vocal variation, delivered by harsher growls from Wrath. The tracks on this release are also far shorter, around the five minute mark, and they are also far faster, and with a thicker sound than the material on the debut. The band has certainly been practising madly, and are finally utilizing all of their talent. 'Withering, The Storm' is one of the two instrumental sections, the other being 'The Thousand Aeon Stare', and these are on separate tracks, so you can easily skip them. I find that even though there are less of these sections than on the debut, they are very well done, and they are finally placed in the right place. 'Deathymn' is a raging and scathing full blast attack, the drum work alternates extremely fast, and the vocals are especially raw. The leads rip forth quickly and the bass is more than a distant hum. Similar to the new Marduk, the band often slow down a little bit, and break the music down. On this track, there are backing effects, by the way of astral plains or demented angelic choirs, basically a combination of very bizarre sounds, that only accelerate the black metal assault. There is a triumphant change of pace, and a flawless return to hallowed speed. Very well executed and serving as a highlight to the whole album. 'The Nascent Ones' uses a very mournful guitar vibe, adding scope to their arsenal, while 'Argument Obscura' is the finest track on the release. Purely fast and raging, its ferocious and venomous, while 'The Fallen Beneath the Earth' returns to the more epic vibe of 'Homecomings March'. '...Ablaze' is the ferocious ending to the saga, blasting away with excellent lead riffs and heaving structures. Averse Sefira have mixed much ferocity and anger, along with very technical and extremely fast melodies, to create a fantastic release that cannot be overlooked. And to come back to my previous point, I got out 'Homecomings March' just now, and while still not up to its old wonders, it managed to impress me once again, yet it only touches on the excellence of 'Battle's Clarion'."
- Sulphur, Gnosis (Austrailia)

"Battle's Clarion' is the second album from these Americans which has just been unleashed upon the world (June 12th to be exact) courtesy of Lost Disciple Records (the label responsible for bringing you Pessimist , Noctuary etc) . Averse Sefira is one of Lost Disciple's newest signings & is also the first 'truly evil' corpse painted band in their family . For those of you still unfamiliar with this American black metal band , their music can best be described as a cross between Immortal (blast beats) & old Satyricon . Back in 1997 , the band released their "Blasphomet Sin Abset" demo (you can read their demo review under the Demos' section) , & it landed them a deal with a rather unknown U.S. label (Arrogare Records) who released their debut "Homecoming's March" in 99' . Back then (during their demo days & also on their debut) the band relied heavily on the use of a drum machine for support , but now on 'Battle's Clarion' they have managed to recruit someone called 'The Carcass' (the band is now a 3 piece) as their newest skin basher . Based in Texas , Averse Sefira is among the pure elite in the U.S. black metal scene (some others worth mentioning from both the past & present are : Havohej ,Judas Iscariot (now relocated to Germany I think) , Demoncy , Krieg , Kult ov Azazel , Summon (are they still considered black ?) & of course the comeback of the legendary Profanatica !) . Moving on , having played several U.S. festivals and shows in Canada in support of bigger bands such as Cradle of Filth , Averse Sefira has no less managed to pull off many devasting shows having indeed proven that there is life still in the American extreme metal scene Expect nothing less from the third generation ! Averse Sefira & the rest of these crazy Americans are to stay & they will definitely leave a mark on the international scene of extreme metal ! Recommendations : Brutally Savage ! Rating : 7/10"
- Dawn of the Apokalypse (Singapore)

"Formed 4 years ago in 1996, Averse Sefira from Texas released its first full length album 3 years later in 1999, a good debut album influenced by the black-metal scene from Norway (Immortal, Satyricon) with some death-metal touches and American black-metal influences. Averse Sefira got a deal with Lost Disciple that releases the second effort of the band. New album for the band and once again, we can listen what the American black-metal scene can propose in this style ; always influenced by the Norwegian style, the death-metal touches are always presents and we feel great Angel Corpse touches. A good come back for the band, this second album is really interesting and even if we feel the Norwegian influences, Averse Sefira proposes great compositions. (7,5/10)"
- Dark Wave (France)

An anonymous fan's review (this appeared on the newsgroup message boards from a fan who was very thorough and inciteful, so much so we wanted to use it!!) "This is a relatively young black metal band from Texas whose first CD, 1999's 'Homecoming's March', was quite a pleasant surprise in a U.S. black metal "scene" which, patriotism notwithstanding, has produced few bands that I feel distinguish themselves (Sarcophagus, Forest of Impaled, Krieg, and the mighty Havohej being exceptions who have carved out respectable niches in the field of violent black/death metal crossover). 'HM' found the band having already forged a powerful sound based on modern (Norwegian) black metal influences such as Immortal, Enslaved, and the ever-present Darkthrone, with the perplexingly impish, mischievous emotional undercurrent of those bands tempered with a proud, steadfast, cerebral approach which honors Averse's heroes Immolation. Huge, crashing epics of violent riffing and dark (keyboard-free!) atmosphere joined meticulously-considered lyrics and images, proving this was a band that had something to say as opposed to the countless USBM bands merely projecting image and seeking social influence. The new album just came out and it kills. The first changes one notices: - The playing time is little more than half of the first album. I welcome this. The album is more concise and replayable. After only a week, I've already played it as many times as I've played the first one. - The presence of a human drummer, Marcus "The Carcass" (heh, A.S. are not without their own mischievous streak - HAIL to that). I'm not too up on the scene down there, but I'm guessing they found him in an area death metal band. He blasts at *insane* speeds, and is quite skilled otherwise as well. However, the drumming has a frantic, organic quality instead of the bionic precision saught by many leading bands. This fits the music perfectly.

Now, diving in... It's apparent that a serious effort has been made to refine and sharpen the compositional style. The sharp, semi-melodic, driving Averse Sefira riffs again form the backbone of the album, and are again contrasted by occasional darkly dissonant chord patches. There are more oddly-timed riffs (I hesitate to call them "technical" as their function in the songs is more intuitive than that implies), and at least one spacey drone riff which reminds me of Enslaved's last album. In addition, the way some of these chords churn and grind against each other in miniature symphonies reminds me of Immolation's incredible last two albums. 'Homecoming's March' was impressive because it held forward momentum with an economy of riffs per song. This was achieved with incredibly fluent songwriting for a young band, as well as a sense that the songs were building and going some -where instead of coddling the listener with recurrence of verse/chorus patterns and artificial "variety" in instrumentation. With the wider array of riff styles at their disposal, and songs 1/3 to 1/2 as long as those on the first album, plus more tasteful use of the Lady of the Evening Faces' excellent ritual interludes, 'Battle's Clarion' is a riveting, cohesive listen. This band are among a small handful since the Norwegian explosion to understand the use of self-aware humor by those bands which allowed them to create an entirely new thoughtspace of evil beyond the nihilistic exterior imagery (e.g. Immortal, IMO the most philosophically profound of all metal bands). Averse Sefira understand this, and have absorbed another decade of metal musical advances in creating their own highly integrated, signature sound and mythos. - the inessential -

Production: strangely understated, particularly the string section, which refreshingly focuses on mood and darkness as opposed to gleaming futuristic sharpness. The bass guitar is noticeable, often arising in warm throb to lead the music melodically, reminiscent of the first two Burzum albums in that.

Packaging: perfect. Personally engaging, but dark, with another Jonzig masterpiece on the cover. Goes perfectly with the first CD on the shelf.

Disclaimers: 1. I have no personal or financial stake in the promotion of this album. I don't even know the guys. The band is worthy of praise on their own merits, independent of scenesterism. 2. This review has many words in it because music of this caliber deserves to be considered in detail - if you need everything chopped up into sound bites, back to the mainstream with you! I am far from being a skilled writer or knowledgeable musician, but attempt to describe music beyond speed /production/image. This is actually the fourth great black metal CD I've heard in 2001, along with Mutiilation, Lunar Aurora and Abigor. That's about three more than I could've expected coming into this year..."
- J.S. (tireheb@qwest.net)

"Time after time the ever rising US Black Metal scene is proposing talented bands able in creating not only something good in the vein of the European bands, but more and more acts that are original and with a strong dose of personality. AVERSE SEFIRA, together with the other US sensation THEATRE OF THE MACABRE (on Demolition Rec.) Is surely the best and in my opinion most promising realities of this scene. The album I1m going to review is released by the always-good Lost Disciple Rec. and presents the band performing a SATYRICON / HADES influenced Dark Black Metal with touches of Death Metal to so that at the end they seem very close to some episodes of the last GEHENNA or the same SATYRICON of 3Rebel Extravaganza2. So, as the same label says, here is the true personification of the damnation and destruction... Do you like to be desecrated? I hope your answer has been YYYEEESSS!!! because it will be the effect this album will have on your mind. Vote: 80/100"
- Vampiria Mag (Italy)

"Excellent cold, harsh Black Metal - grim and cold without being atmospheric - very old school influences. No use of keyboards or female vocals needed. This is the way its supposed to be done. Bone dry and no rest for the wicked - a wall of static and noise-filled evil. Great vocals accompanied by blistering guitar and solid, blasting drums.And they wear an interesting form of corpse paint. OK, that is useless, but I had to throw it in! Good stuff! Very nordic. 7/10"
- Metal Observer (Germany)

"Battle's...' is the second effort of this Texas-based act after their glorious "Homecoming's March" CD. The most notable highlight of this release is the fact that it got much more aggressive if compared to the previous one. "Battle's..." delivers 35 minutes of histerically violent occult Black Metal with occasional ambient intrusions, which massively aggravate this album's atmosphere of total misanthropy and chaos. Special mention goes to those atrocious vocals and unorthodox rhytm-section. Totally killer! So, it's just like the promo sheet says: "If you like it fast, hard, and covered in corpse-paint and spikes, you'll love this." Bull's eye! 9/10 (Krasniy; 19.06.2001)"
- Fortitude 'zine (Moldova)