ALBUM REVIEW: Necromantia – To The Depths We Descend…

Greek Black Metal legends NECROMANTIA are back with their newest album, an offering to the darkness in memory of the late and great Baron Blood! Set for release on October 15th via The Circle Music, Rabauw and Hell’s Fire Records.

Starting off with a rather unsettling introduction, it is a weird feeling that new Necromantia music lies in wait. Hopefully a positive closing chapter in one of Greek Black Metals most influential stories. A potent cascade of marvellously melodic extremity fires into life with a rejuvenated energy that is powered by ferocious drum work that is utterly insane while the majestic guitars (yes guitars, for the first time since the 1990 promo tape) charge into the vicious vocals with a potent darkness. Immediately the ethereal and yet demonic sound of the titans is restored to its full glory. Now, before I go any further, the bass sound is obviously a key component to Necromantia, in this case a cleaner, warm and yet crushing tone delivers those stoic low-end lines (without the 8-string in this instance). That rocking Greek rhythm is certainly here which has always captivated me in regard to their country’s signature sound alongside the absolutely chilling melodies that are chosen. In these opening moments the true essence of Necromantia has returned in what can be called a triumphant tribute to a legacy of utmost importance. Let us hope this glory is maintained going onwards…

In the twilight of the opening moments, the dynamics develop into a more brooding, gorgeously orchestrated nature which is sombre and yet still with that devilish power lurking in all of its strength. Though funereal would perhaps imply too much doom to be apt, there is a certainly mournful note that lingers in even the more aggressive sections. This contradiction is delivered successfully and appropriately not only to convey the huge array of moods that Necromantia’s music has always carried but also to allow grieving for Baron Blood to be heard in the songs themselves. Whenever the dust seems to settle, they choose that moment to strike with sweeping layers of stunning string work and bombastic drums which fall like artillery alongside some subtle synth hits to give a marvellously orchestrated and yet no less fearsome soundscape. One cannot flaw the diversity in moods, atmospheres or indeed the musical execution. Nor the production which is utterly astounding in how many elements are conveyed so beautifully and yet without feeling polished to the point of sterility.

The complexity we see showcased here is never obnoxious but allows for a richly textured, multi-faceted and incredibly well-composed adventure that is not afraid to utilise resplendent melodies and atmospherics in juxtaposition to the more typically violent, chaotic and savage elements of Black Metal. In fact this is an example of a record that does justice to most fields of the genre and is not afraid to take inspiration from outside either, with a largely classical execution on many components of the album. The tribal rhythms and innovative musicianship is absolutely excellent and for a band with such a recognisable sound to still be unpredictable is equally impressive. This is certainly a contemplative listen, a time for reflection and to join the band in an intimate celebration of their legacy and that of Baron Blood. In this they have achieved closure and completion of their grandiose body of work.

Necromantia close the book on their hugely important career in Black Metal which cannot be overstated. In these last moments the 6 wonderful new pieces and 2 re-visits to classic pieces are tied into a singular and linear experience of pure Black Metal majesty that is a success in ending such a spectacular story with an awe-inspiring finale.