Dark electro-goth collective Dispel will release their sophomore album ‘Inferno’ on October 12, ahead of which they present ‘Glasya’s Heresy (Acoustic version)’, a deep crystal offering accompanied by a saga-laden video filmed in South Africa.
Dispel’s first acoustic ballad, Ravensea’s haunting voice is bolstered by the rich piano prowess of Kate Farquharson. This penetrating taster previews an album where she sings of the sorrows, temptations and fascinations of this forbidden dominion. Laced with dark melodies, vocal depth and spiritual quests, Dispel creates a unique musical narrative, channelled through the prism of historic lore, mythology and mysticism.
Earlier this year, Dispel also released ‘Journey Into Limbo’, a high-energy slice of shimmering gothic metal.
On ‘Inferno’, Dispel follows Dante and his guide Virgil down to every layer of the Nine Hells, awarding each level of mortal sin its own song. Sprinkled with additional source material and diabolical personalities from ancient mythology and fantasy literature, this undertaking took two years to complete.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Dispel is a trio made up of Ravensea, Sean Gallows and Scott Dispel, a founding member of the old- school hardcore band Face Value and former drummer for TEXTBEAK. A studio engineer and producer, in 2005, he was voted Cleveland’s best nightclub DJ by Scene Magazine.
Produced by Dispel, this album was mastered at The Cage Studios in Coventry, UK by Martin Bowes of Attrition, well known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Psychic TV and Steven Severin of Siouxsie & the Banshees.
“Influenced by an equal mix of darkwave beats, Medieval literature, and conceptual rock albums, the music behind Dispel was born. But soon after the completion of our debut album ‘Lore’, the world went on lockdown! So we headed back into the studio to create another conceptual album, but we had to up the ante. A spiderweb-ridden bookshelf held the key – “Dante’s Inferno” in its timeless glory,” says Scott Dispel.
“Putting a literary masterpiece to music was no small task, we had to do it justice through attention to detail, utilizing actual texts and adding mythological personalities, herein combining rock music and world literature.”
Dispel has roots in the early 90’s hardcore punk scene, when a German underground goth-Industrial club inspired Scott Dispel to transition from performing with Face Value to pursuing electronica. Inspired by Sisters of Mercy, Clan of Xymox, Depeche Mode, VNV Nation and Blutengle, he formed Dispel after completing a music degree and recording studio internship.
Inspired by fantasy gaming, mythology and mysticism, this music took form upon meeting Ravensea, a Berklee vocal performance / music therapy major with a powerful voice and insight into music’s power to transcend language and cultural barriers.
‘Glasya’s Heresy (Acoustic Version)’ and ‘Journey Into Limbo’ are out now, available across online music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On October 12, the full ‘Inferno’ LP will be released on CD, vinyl (with full color insert) and digitally.
CREDITS
Ravensea – Vocals
Scott Dispel – Drums & Keyboards
Sean Gallows – Vocals & Bass
Leonard (Maldurin) Kemenani – Guitar
Jamie (Valkyrie X) Baisden – Bass
Kate Farquharson – Piano
Joe Cilento – Acoustic Guitar
Barry Gelderblom – Vocal Narrative
Keith Farquharson – Production (special thanks)
Recorded and mixed at Dispel Studios US
Mastered by Martin ‘Attrition’ Bowes @ Cage Studios UK
‘Glasya’s Heresy’ cover artwork by Klaudia Bezak
TRACK LIST
1.Gate Prelude (1:12)
2.Journey Into Limbo (4:18)
3.Dispater’s Lust (5:51)
4.Bog of Gluttony (6:06)
5.Flames of Greed (5:04)
6.Geryon’s Wrath (4:20)
7.Glasya’s Heresy (Acoustic Version) (4:38)
8.Rings of Violence (5:20)
9.Citadel of Fraud (4:12)
10.Cistern of Treachery (7:24)
11.Escape Epilogue (3:16)