Tag Archives: Greece

Raw In Sect- Kitro

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The use of cultural elements in heavy music is, by now, a pretty familiar concept with a plethora of bands, ethnicities, and nations bringing such into their sound, whether conceptually or through unique instrumentation, techniques or structures. Very few bands do so quite so vividly and entirely as Greek progressive metallers Raw In Sect have done, however. With a starkly ever-changing sound across previous releases, latest effort Kitro (self-released) sees a bold direction which fully embraces Greece in both terms of lyrical content and the nations more traditional music.Continue reading →


Varathron – The Confessional of the Black Penitents

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A pivotal part of the Hellenic black metal scene along with Rotting Christ, Varathron have remained consistent since their inception way back in 1988. Following the success of last year’s Untrodden Corridors of Hades, the Greek lords of darkness return with their EP The Confessional of the Black Penitents (both Agonia). I use the term ‘EP’ loosely, with a run time of 40 minutes it’s more of a mini album, consisting of 3 new tracks and 4 tracks recorded live in Larisa, Greece earlier this year.

Varathron are as strong as ever, their innovative stamp on black metal continues to flourish as The Confessional… proves. The title track is atmospheric and alluring, with a ritualistic tribal feel and immediately recognisable growl from vocalist and remaining original member Stefan Necrobyssious. ‘Sinister Recollections’ and ‘Utter Blackness’ further demonstrate Varathron’s aptitude to creating imaginative black metal, the guitar riffs and solos are prominent and catchy, while mysterious chanted vocals in the background encapsulate a Bathory style grandeur that injects a majestic atmosphere.

The aforementioned live tracks are extremely well recorded; as in until the cheering crowd interrupts I was none the wiser it was live, but therefore showcasing how well their music translates to the live environment. ‘Unholy Funeral’ (taken from 1993 Cyber Music debut His Majesty at the Swamp) is a full on rifftastic onslaught, whereas ‘Kabalistic Invocation of Solomon’ takes a mid-paced approach, embracing a more dark brooding atmosphere.

The Confessional of the Black Penitents not only shows great promise for the forthcoming LP but stands alone as a strong black metal record.

 

7.5/10

HEATHER BLEWETT


Fight The Power – Fernando Ribeiro of Moonspell Talks Politics

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Gothic Metal is more associated with the fantasy genre, so it is perhaps unsurprising that Fernando Ribeiro is not often asked about his political views. A recent post on Moonspell’s website, listed things the band hates, one of which was German Chancellor Angela Murkel. We asked Fernando if he hoped that Portugal follows in the footsteps of Greece regarding the deficit?

 

“Portugal has been in a crisis, the social democratic government have made things very hard here. It is very hard for musicians in Portugal. We pay the highest tax charges in Europe, our civil rights are being questioned, this government changed all the processes and we feel we are digging deeper into the trench between the very rich and poor. The IMF (The International Money Fund) has imposed all these measures on us which are making things more difficult here. There are not enough beds in hospitals and the government wasted the money on submarines to keep us and the Greek’s in debt. I hope we get a government that does what the Greeks are trying to do because this deficit is crippling us. We don’t want to be caught by these vultures anymore.”

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ROSS BAKER