Hailing from Lillehammer, Norway, ORDER was founded in 2013.  Since then, the band has now released two full lengths including their latest "The Gospel".  Digging deeper, though, ORDER is comprised of some pretty heavyweight names in Death and Black Metal with members having been involved in MAYHEM, CADAVER, CELTIC FROST, and others.  With such strong credentials, "The Gospel" proves to be quite an impressive listening experience.

A short intro via "Pneuma" opens the proceedings, but it is not until "Rise," the following track, arrives that the intensity is truly felt.  It is a fierce, pummeling onslaught, unrelenting in its veracity.  Clever transition, though, are the secret to keeping things interesting.  As the song experiences its denouement, the haunting piano from the intro returns.

The following track, "Bring-Of-Salt," thrives from a staggered shuffle proved by Manheim's skillful drumming.  The odd time signature amplifies the ferocity of the riffing exponentially.  "It-Burns" follows and heralds an apocalyptic bent to the music.  Sheer desperation and nihilistic rage permeate the song creating a choking air of hostility.
While I would not rate the production as being quintessentially top shelf, the magnitude of the songs is increased rather than diminished by the recording.  In terms of guitar tone, there is a strict adherence to old school Death and Black Metal.  The power of the drum performance alone could carry this album and an organic approach certainly adds to the effect.  In short, the album has a sleek modern sheen yet the material itself is more firmly rooted in the glory of the past.

As the album rolls along, myriad highlights occur.  The title track, fifth in the order, has a straightforward beat and its mid-pace justifies its placement.  "Descent," the seventh track, features a kinetic groove that critically pivots the later Black Metal section for an overall thrilling affair.

Though farm from a perfect album, "The Gospel" is a prodigious effort, nonetheless.  Its hellish anthems straddle the fence between Death and Black Metal yet incorporate elements from both into a rich, frothy stew of abrasive underground Metal.  Fans of the classics will appreciate this amalgamation of talent, creativity, and artistic vision for the album practically roars with a chilling, unholy fury.