New Jersey duo, Gematria, has issued multiple new videos on the creation of their debut LP, Gematria II: The Spindle Of Necessity, set for September release through Nefarious Industries.
Gematria is the progressive/technical instrumental metal collaboration between Ray Suhy (Six Feet Under, Ray Suhy/Lewis Porter Quartet, ex-Cannabis Corpse, ex-East Of The Wall) and Steve Honoshowsky (Daughter Vision, Billy Martin’s Fang Percussion, No Use For Humans). The duo formed in 2017 out of a mutual respect for each other’s playing, a myriad of shared musical influences and a love for esoteric studies and explorations. Their first recordings, a five-song eponymous EP, was released by Nefarious Industries in 2018.
The songs on their proper full-length release, Gematria II: The Spindle Of Necessity, were composed using elements of gematria, a qabalistic numerological system of relating words to numbers, the I Ching, sacred geometry and the writings of Aleister Crowley and Austin Osman Spare to help generate rhythmic and melodic ideas. Recorded by the band throughout 2020/2021 with the drums recorded by Adam Vaccarelli at Retromedia Sound Studios who mixed the album, mastering was handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music. The album features a guest electric flute solo on “Spindle Of Necessity” by Melissa Keeling, and a vocal choir on “Unconquered Sun” performed by Emily Grove, recorded by Steve Greenwell. The artwork was created by Steve Honoshowsky and the layout/design handled by Greg Meisenberg. Gematria II: The Spindle Of Necessity is a combination of intricate King Crimson-esque parts mixed with ambient soundscapes, blistering improvisations, and powerful drumming.
Following the release of the lead single from the LP, "Unconquered Sun," Gematria has issued multiple new behind-the-scenes videos, including a drum intro explanation of the song, another breaking down the writing process of the song, and another on the meanings behind and the creation of the cover art. Watch below:
Nefarious Industries will release Gematria II: The Spindle Of Necessity on Transparent 8th Sphere Mercurial Orange vinyl and all digital services on September 23. Find pre-orders and merch options at the label webshop, here. Watch for additional videos from the album to be issued over the coming days.
Gematria II: The Spindle Of Necessity tracklisting:
"Spindle Of Necessity"
"Unconquered Sun"
"The Taming Power Of The Small"
"By Its Own Nature"
"The Elusive One"
"Ritual"
"Reunion In Daylight"
"So Mote It Be"
"Aletheia"
"Unconquered Sun" video:
Gematria are:
Steve Honoshowsky – drums, bass, synths
Ray Suhy – guitars, bass, synths
