Shekinah (US)

**Labels:** | * The Bearded Dragon Productions
 **Current members:** | Nocturnal Servant

**Shekinah** is a black metal project that began in Russellville, Alabama in the United States. The project began in 2019, as another solo venture of Nocturnal Servant of Proven Existence, What Brings Ruin, Goatscorge, and Brainkrusher. The project is signed to The Bearded Dragon Productions, similar to all of his other projects. Thomas Eversole of Brevarium, Disgyblaeth, and Orationem provided Drums for the project's two first releases. The band briefly embarked on a hiatus, while Nocturnal Servant addresses spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional issues in his personal life.

## History

Shekinah began in 2019, created by Nocturnal Servant. Nocturnal Servant previously created several projects, including Proven Existence, What Brings Ruin, and Brainkrusher. The band, while a solo project, began working on an EP, with Drums being performed by Thomas Eversole of Orationem, Brevarium, Disgyblaeth, as well as many others. Prior to the band releasing any material, the project signed with The Bearded Dragon Productions.

The band debuted with their single, "Apostasy", which was released May 17, 2019. On May 24, 2019, the band digitally released their debut EP, *Spiritual Darkness*, with physical copies being made available via Blackened Label Records the day after. Following the EP's release, the band began working on a new album. On July 31, 2019, the band premiered a track on a new compilation, *The Brotherhood*, titled "Disciples of Truth". The album, titled *Freedom*, is set to be released via The Bearded Dragon Productions. However, the artwork for the album received controversy, due to the pentagram posted on the front of the cover. In response, the band released a statement about the pentagram.

> "*It has come to my attention that the artwork for the upcoming album "Freedom" has a few people concerned. While I normally don't like to defend my artwork unless it is absolutely necessary, this seems to be one of those times. Anytime I use the pentacle (or pentagram) whether upright or inverted in my artwork or logo, you are safe in assuming that I am either using it to represent the 5 wounds of Christ like in early Christianity, or as the Seal of Jerusalem (in ancient pre-Christian times).*
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> *Speaking about this album cover specifically, it can represent one or both of those meanings. I also used it as a means to break some Christians out of their "box mindset." I want people to understand that something is not always as it seems, because when you learn the truth of the matter, it is almost always a humbling experience. So my ultimate goal initially and is still, is to encourage humility in the Body of Christ, and to not jump to conclusions no matter how much you think it seems to be the case.*
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> *Take this in, because I plan to use controversial artwork in the future as I always do. For the exact same purpose explained above, whether it be the pentacle or the cross of St. Peter or some other controversial imagery (that isn't sinful mind you). Most of my music is meant for mature-minded individuals, in some households my lyrics may be considered to be explicit or too controversial for younger people. I don't aim to please, but I do aim to call people to repentance. Along with making some great music of course.*
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> *As for the release date of said album, it has been set to officially release on December 20th of this year!*"
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> ― Nocturnal Servant[[source]]
>
>

The album is set to be released on December 20, 2019. Upon the album's release, the controversy was still abundantly present, as the pentagram was still present. It had been made clear by both the band and their label, that it was a way to provocate thought and "reclaim" a symbol that had once been a Christian symbol.

While the controversy was later forgotten about, after striking a distribution deal with Vision of God Records, both labels would re-release *Freedom* with remastered tracks and different cover art. On August 7, 2020, the band returned with the single "To Be In Rebellion", which saw a cleaner production than past releases. On October 31, 2020, the project released its second album, titled *Trve Pentecostal Black Metal*, which was better produced and sounded much more up to par with other black metal artists.

## Members

**Current**

* "Nocturnal Servant" - Guitars, Vocals (2019-present)

**Session**

* Thomas Eversole - Drums (2019; guest appearance)

## Discography

**Studio albums**

* *Freedom* (2019)
* *Freedom (Remastered)* (2020)
* *Trve Pentecostal Black Metal* (2020)

**EPs**

* *Spiritual Darkness* (2019)

**Singles**

* "Apostasy" (2019)
* "To Be In Rebellion" (2020)

**Compilation appearances**

* *The Brotherhood* (2019)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 thrashboy (April 14, 2019). "Black Metal Project 'Shekinah' Inks Deal with 'The Bearded Dragon Productions'". The Metal Resource. Retrieved on May 27, 2019.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Nocturnal Iridescence (April 14, 2019). "Unblack Archives: SHEKINAH". Retrieved on May 27, 2019.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Immortalon (April 25, 2011). "Thomas Eversole". Encyclopedia Metallum. Retrieved on May 27, 2019.
4. ↑ Beard, Mason (October 2, 2019). "Nocturnal Servant Goes Dark". The Metal Onslaught. Retrieved on October 2, 2019.
5. ↑ Lamb777 (May 24, 2019). "Shekinah". Encyclopedia Metallum. Retrieved on September 1, 2019.
6. ↑ "It has come to my attention that the artwork for the upcoming album "Freedom" has a few people concerned". Facebook. August 26, 2019. Retrieved on September 1, 2019.
7. ↑ Beard, Mason (August 20, 2019). "Trve Pentecostal Black Metal: Shekinah Finishes Up New Album". The Metal Onslaught. Retrieved on September 1, 2019.