In mythology, a Nephilim is the the spawn of a divine father and a human mother. The Finnish underground has spawned a hybrid of a different kind, in the form of NEPHILIM'S HOWL. "Through the Marrow of Human Suffering" is a melancholic contemplation of existence. Yet there's a fierceness to their music as well, with some good old rough black metal in the mix.

Reavhan's clean vocals have a bluesy feel throughout the album, and he can really hold a note. His vocal style is somewhat unexpected on a blackened doom album, in a good way, and his anguished howls carry an emotional heft. I particularly enjoyed his performances on "Hate Revelations" and "Through the Marrow of Human Suffering I, II, III".

The mix has a "thick" sound, which suits the music well. The heavy doom riffs never trample on the lead guitar parts, which is just as well because they're well-crafted. VJR serves up some memorable riffs on "Against the Worlds That Bind Us", as well as a nimble solo. The latter member also creates expressive basslines, and the synth is used effectively (e.g. on "Void..." and "Through the Marrow..."). AEK's drum work is notable here too - the unexpected fast part contains a storm of electrifying blast beats.

"Through the Marrow of Human Suffering" has melancholy in spades, but it doesn't quite go down the depressive/suicidal black metal path. The music evokes an image of falling into an abyss deeper than the Mariana Trench, yet there is beauty in this dark journey. The title track is an epic closing exploration of the album's main theme of contemplating existence. It is one of those long tracks which needs to be long. There are some subtle riff changes which keep things both coherent and interesting, and there's a tightness to the songwriting which prevents any meanderings.

These Finns have managed to carve out a little niche for themselves in the metal underground. I found myself drawn into the web of this distinctive iteration of mid-tempo black metal.