AN NCS VIDEO PREMIERE: SHEMHAMFORASH — “HEIR OF EMPTINESS (LIVE)”

Even for songs that have been out in the world a while, well-made music videos can open doors that listeners haven’t entered before, to find something previously undiscovered that proves to be arresting. That happened to this writer upon viewing and listening to the live video we’re about to premiere, and it will happen to some of you as well (and for those who are already dedicated fans of this band, it will be a welcome gift).

The band in question, Shemhamforash from Guadalajara, Mexico, are making their first appearance at our site, proving that although we make strenuous efforts to cover a multitude of bands, we still inevitably overlook worthy contenders — and the one song featured in today’s video premiere is definitely worthy of attention (ours and yours).

The song that’s the subject of the video is “Heir of Emptiness“. It’s one of the songs on this blackened death metal group’s second album Entropy, which was released four years ago, preceded by their debut album Aether in 2015 and succeeded by a single named “Apophis” in 2022.

Along the way Shemhamforash built their stage presence through performances with the likes of Septicflesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Mayhem, Kataklysm, Belphegor, Gorgoroth, and Hate, among others. Impressive company indeed, and the experience shows in the video, which exhibits from various angles a performance as dramatic and gripping as the music itself.

The song itself spawns metaphors of change, things like kaleidoscopes, auroras, or some suspended and spinning multi-faceted gem that catches and reflects the light in different ways as it turns — though to be sure, the lights here are usually dark, shades of deep blue and indigo, as one might expect from the song’s name.

“Heir of Emptiness” seizes attention quickly with low-frequency turbulence, vibratory riffing that roils and jolts, wailing and warping guitar-leads, and neck-cracking beats. Just as quickly, the music creates a mood that’s tormented and despairing. But with an acrobatic drum-flourish, the changes begin to come.

Backed by a nimble and nuanced interplay of drum and bass, the guitar rings like chimes, creating a dreamlike and mesmerizing experience, but with a hint of yearning in the wonder. And that in turn creates the setting for scarring snarls and gnashing howls.

The turbulence and turmoil in the music rise again and long chords moan, deepening the sense of loss. The riffing feverishly throbs in the company of dark roars, but the chimes persist, wailing, swirling, and convulsing, joined by a chorus of screams.

Suddenly, a solo cello spills out its grief, and just as suddenly the music crashes and storms, scathing and scouring the senses, an intricate whirlpool of confusion and agony in which the drums blast and the lead guitar flickers like flames.

At the end, symphonic strings create their own elegant lament, one last dark color falling into place.

Now we’d like to share Shemhamforash‘s own introduction to the video:

We are thrilled to share with you our recent live recording of “Heir of Emptiness,” a cornerstone song from our second album, ENTROPY. This piece takes listeners on a profound journey through melancholy and darkness, culminating in a burst of dazzling power and epicism. It is truly a must-listen in our current repertoire.

The atmosphere during this concert was beyond special; we captured perfectly the unique energy that defines Shemhamforash in one of our most intense shows to date. Every note and moment conveys the deep emotions evoked by “Heir of Emptiness.”

We are eager to show you how this live performance heightens the song’s emotion. We firmly believe that this video not only reflects our passion and dedication to our music, but also represents an exciting opportunity to open new doors.”

For more Shemhamforash music and more info about the band and their activities, check out the links below.

We’re happy to report that Shemhamforash are at work on their third album, with that single “Apophis” being a sign of what’s coming.

MORE INFO:
https://linktr.ee/shemhamforashband
https://shemhamforashband.bandcamp.com/
https://shemhamforashband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/shemhamforashband