Metalcatto
Perhaps it’s the rage against the Central European Bank, but it’s already been decades since Greece became a Black Metal powerhouse. However, old school wouldn’t be the first term I’d use to describe that scene, which is why Eleventh Ray got my attention. Its upcoming album Reviving Tehom promises a strange return to an era when Black Metal wasn’t too filthy nor too clean—but let’s find out if there’s anything original to blast here.
Alright, that was a lie. I know the promo said this was Black Metal, and though there are elements of that here, Reviving Tehom is more of a combination between ’90s Deströyer 666 and Sepultura (the one from Arise, the good one). So, it’s a groovy and thrashy journey with the same production warmth of those times. That’s my favorite part for sure—how the band has taken a vintage sound and improved it without losing any of its edge. I appreciate how direct this album is; there’s nothing pretentious about it. It’s just a love letter to an era long gone.
There are touches of Folk music here and there—even if they aren’t constant, when they do come in, it’s impossible to ignore them. The threshold to enjoy what Eleventh Ray has brought us is low. Most Metalheads who like a beer with their Metal would probably dig this album, even just as background music. Eleventh Ray isn’t creating anything new, but I must admit that it feels somehow comforting and safe—and sometimes, music makes us feel that. But do you want to know how I really know this isn’t old-school Black Metal? Well, I can hear a smooth bass on every track, and the vocals are Thrash, but like, actually good. Enough said.
Now, I was already primed to expect this album to be a consistency-over-originality endeavor. However, I must admit that the Folk sections were so familiar—basically covers of famous melodies—that it bothered me to some degree. They’re great for adding a layer of atmosphere to the album, but I’d like to hear something fresher! That said, one can’t hate too much on Eleventh Ray because it gives you exactly what it promises. I mean, you don’t go to KFC and get angry that the chicken is too spicy, right? (I really hope you’re not that person!) The same thing happens here. Sure, it explores common ground—but that’s its thing.
So does the artwork fit the music? Oh yes, absolutely! You can’t ever go wrong with black, red, and an evil-looking dragon. In the same way, Reviving Tehom uses tropes with which you can’t ever go too wrong. I was expecting to get bored to death, but—painful as it is for my snobbish pride to admit—a few of those riffs did get stuck in my head for a while. Sigh.
Label: Dark Descent Records
Release date: 15 May, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/eleventhray
Country: Greece
Score: a return to simpler times, or 3.3/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 