Deisidaemonia - Khthonian Hymns

DEISIDAEMOANIA - Khthonian Hymns (OLD TEMPLE - CD 2016)

Here’s the latest release from Old Temple Records. And this time it’s a debuting band called Deisidaemonia. Hmm, band or should I say project, as it’s basically just one dude, doing everything, including vocals and instruments. I have to say that I was completely unfamiliar with this project, I didn’t even know what kind of music it will be… so when I played this CD for the first time I was just unaware how great it will turn out to be. Now I know that this is one of the best albums that Old Temple has released so far. And it’s a great recommendation for you, people. Believe me, this is some seriously good shit!

Deisidaemonia is from Greece and obviously “Khthonian Hymns” is full of the influences rooted in the classic Hellenic black metal. The dark, evil atmosphere of this music, some of these melodies, riffs and drumming, and more, are all characteristic for this style of black metal. What may differ “Khthonian Hymns” a little is the production, which is a bit cleaner here than on the classic albums from the 90’s, but it surely is not something bad, as the sound quality and generally everything about this album is absolutely top notch. Anyway, take such song like “Hades Awake” and I am sure that it will bring you memories of some Hellenic bands; and not only Rotting Christ, but also Varathron, etc. On the other hand quite often I had a strong feeling like Dissection’s last album “Reinkaos” must have also been a strong influence on Deisidaemonia, for the harmonies, some arrangements and even the atmosphere of this music. So, put these ingredients together and you will have a small vision for Deisidaemonia’s debut album.

But to be fair, it almost doesn’t matter what were the influences for Deisidaemonia, when we hear such a phenomenal music. For example I mentioned the song called “Hades Awake” and man, the melodic side of this song and the way it’s been arranged is absolutely killer. But every song on this album is worth checking, really. And it’s important to note that the whole “Khthonian Hymns” is really diverse. You can get some aggressive, sometimes even fast played, vicious black metal, but later it can turn into an epic and melodic side. Such “Titanic Blood” will hook you with some great clean vocals that emphasize the monumental sound of this song, while the one after that called “Prometheus Disciples” will crush with some blasts, but also surprise with a memorable, sort of “scream with me” type of chorus (“Lucifer!!!… “Prometheus!!!…). Yeah, a lot of great stuff is going on with “Khthonian Hymns” and I am simply impressed. Not a single moment on this album sound boring, not for a second I felt that it’s something not good enough. From start to finish it’s just fantastic black metal. And if you like a bit melodic black metal, with a nice Greek touch, then this is surely an album for you as well. I cannot recommend enough.

Standout tracks: “Hades Awake”, “Titanic Blood”, “

Final rate: 85/100