Suffering so you don't have to!
Metalcatto
I think I’m right on time for the Phasma party. It’s probably going to be the opposite of chilled, but we’re not here to enjoy relaxing stuff, unless your definition of relaxing is getting thrown in a barrel down a waterfall. Purgatory isn’t for the noobs. It’s not even for the experienced, but that doesn’t mean it’s good right away. That’s why I’m here to give a smug opinion about it. Preferably read it while you listen to the thing at the same time.
Metalcatto
There are two certainties when it comes to Greek Black Metal: the artwork is going to be visually arresting, often steeped in occult symbolism, and the distrust for religious institutions will be off the charts. Decipher has built a reputation as a consistent band within this fertile scene, and if its new album, ΘΕΛΗΜΑ, is anywhere near as accomplished as Arcane Path of Resurrection, then the band would have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Or is it? Cringe and Black Metal have always shared an uneasy, intertwined history, but let’s descend into the darkness and find out.
Metalcatto
Unverkalt knows exactly how to grab my attention. A Post-Metal release on Season of Mist, with a German/Greek background and a French title like Héréditaire? That’s basically a checklist designed to lure me in. It sounds refined, a bit pretentious, and unapologetically artsy—and yes, I’m fully on board with that. So forgive me in advance if my expectations run slightly ahead of what an underground act can realistically deliver, but that’s what happens when the promo does its job well. Either way, let’s see how long it takes before we spiral into existential despair again.
Metalcatto
I guess I should stop giving chances only to the big fish and actually start caring more about the tiny ones, even if that comes with fewer views and less immediate payoff. After all, we mostly don’t do this for the money, right? Anyway, Shadowmass deliver a Thrash Metal record with Wasteland that at least promises not to be completely derivative. Let’s say they don’t… waste our time (don’t hit me for the pun). There’s a clear sense of intent here! Let’s go!
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.
Elyna Kahn
As a lifelong Metalhead and devoted fan of classic Power Metal, I hold the early works of Rhapsody (before the name drama), Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, and Sonata Arctica as sacred texts. That era – when music felt raw, honest, and untainted by excessive digital manipulation – represents the genre’s golden age to me. In recent years, I’ve watched with dismay as the obsession with Dolby Atmos and “modern” production has led many great bands to drown their essence in a sea of cinematic embellishments and artificial polish. While I won’t name names (some still manage to captivate me despite their transformations), this trend has left me yearning for the unadulterated Power Metal of yore.
Let’s travel to the cradle of democracy (assuming your definition of democracy includes only rich dudes voting) and meet Auriferous Flame, a band that doesn’t sound like your typical Greek outfit. Yes, it’s still Black Metal, but not the kind we’re accustomed to. The Insurrectionists and The Caretakers hit us with a sound that flirts with Black/Thrash, laced with Progressive influences. Intriguing, right? Let’s not delay any further and dive into this violent and dark revolution.
Ixone
Hellenic Black Metal has, from its inception, shown striking differences from nearly everything that might be categorized as traditional Black Metal. Eldingar’s latest record, Lysistrata, is no exception. Since its first release, Eldingar has forged a unique sound that melds a wide variety of influences—from Thrash and Melodic Death Metal to folk music—into its style. With that, let’s dive in.
This is a special segment dedicated to bands emerging deep from the underground, defying all odds to produce compelling work. These acts possess a rawness often absent from mainstream bands, though it might be an acquired taste. The choice is yours—show them love or hate, but whatever you do, give them something!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 