This debut EP is considered by many of their hardcore fans to be Gehenna's finest work. For one thing, this is the most original sounding Gehenna release, as opposed to their subsequent albums which trod a more traditional black metal territory. Some people used to call it "ghost metal," which is peculiar, but I can see where they were going with it. The 5 songs on this CD are plodding, atmospheric, completely keyboard- dominated chunks of dark/black metal, which, together with draped rasps and shrouded, shadowy sound, do, in fact, give you this feeling of apparition of sort. Many of the people who became spellbound by this EP, were gravely disheartened when the band released their first full-length, as they discovered that Gehenna pretty much abandoned their old style, although the music still incorporated plenty of keyboards. These people still hold "First Spell" above everything else Gehenna did, and they would always tell you to listen to it first, before all other Gehenna output.

As far as myself, "First Spell" didn't quite impress me. I don't know, the music is exceedingly layed-back, and I just thought that the songs were somewhat lame. On the other hand, they do have their own style and appeal, so I will say that you should try to check it out by yourself and make-up your own opinion.

© 2000 boris