Theosis, in this second full-length album, consists of a two element formation, although at the beginning of its existence it has been thought of as a solo project by Astraeos, from Greece. From 2014, Sven, the drummer who has a black metal band in common with Astraeos - L'Hiver - joined the project and formed the collective we can hear on the album Ierotelestia, which means ‘rite, ceremony or ritual’.
The album consists of seven themes, including two instrumental ones. From the lyrics point of view, the construction of the concept seems cohesive. We get a focus on the black side of biblical themes and primordial elements that shaped the universe as we know it, beyond good and evil. Theosis are attracted to the theme of chaos in terms of lyrics and sound.
The album opens with a dark ambient sound of ritualistic outlines. Then we come to the action embodying the ritual which culminates in grim riffs that reveal a rather harsh production, moving from mid-paced moments to faster paces, always keeping a melodic background tone.
The theme “The Awakening” reveals one of the album’s most interesting moments. The melodic riffs behind the blastbeats are very appealing. The fluctuation between slower and faster musical moments, performed by the drums, conveys a more expressive sound in terms of pace. It is also in “The Awakening” that we read one of the most interesting lyrics that summarize the concept behind the album.
The instrumental interludes offer interesting moments for the black ritual. In terms of composition, the effort is better on the guitar and voice than, for example, the drums which sometimes are annoying. Regarding the overall concept, we feel a concern with maintaining common logic throughout the album. In terms of sound, it’s a more polished album than Behold the Glorious Night, the band’s first full-length, but it’s obvious that the band wasn’t looking for a robust, full-bodied sound, rather one reminiscent of some older Finnish metal, as the early Sargeist, focusing on tremolo riffing as the main element, but leaving us with a feeling that there’s a missing piece to complete the soundscape puzzle, perhaps some bass or guitar work.
Notes:
Ierotelestia was released in November, 2014 on CD by EastSide Records and Witches Sabbath Records, and on tape by Mercyful Hell Productions. The digital album can be downloaded for free through the Bandcamp player below.
Tracklist:
1. The Malediction of the Fallen
2. The Rite of Conjuration
3. The Morning Star
4. The Awakening
5. The Serpentine Offering
6. The Son of Perdition
7. The Ruler of Cosmic Existence
Personnel:
Astraeos – Vocals, strings, samples
Sven – Drums
Text by Vetrarnótt
The album consists of seven themes, including two instrumental ones. From the lyrics point of view, the construction of the concept seems cohesive. We get a focus on the black side of biblical themes and primordial elements that shaped the universe as we know it, beyond good and evil. Theosis are attracted to the theme of chaos in terms of lyrics and sound.
The album opens with a dark ambient sound of ritualistic outlines. Then we come to the action embodying the ritual which culminates in grim riffs that reveal a rather harsh production, moving from mid-paced moments to faster paces, always keeping a melodic background tone.
The theme “The Awakening” reveals one of the album’s most interesting moments. The melodic riffs behind the blastbeats are very appealing. The fluctuation between slower and faster musical moments, performed by the drums, conveys a more expressive sound in terms of pace. It is also in “The Awakening” that we read one of the most interesting lyrics that summarize the concept behind the album.
The instrumental interludes offer interesting moments for the black ritual. In terms of composition, the effort is better on the guitar and voice than, for example, the drums which sometimes are annoying. Regarding the overall concept, we feel a concern with maintaining common logic throughout the album. In terms of sound, it’s a more polished album than Behold the Glorious Night, the band’s first full-length, but it’s obvious that the band wasn’t looking for a robust, full-bodied sound, rather one reminiscent of some older Finnish metal, as the early Sargeist, focusing on tremolo riffing as the main element, but leaving us with a feeling that there’s a missing piece to complete the soundscape puzzle, perhaps some bass or guitar work.
Notes:
Ierotelestia was released in November, 2014 on CD by EastSide Records and Witches Sabbath Records, and on tape by Mercyful Hell Productions. The digital album can be downloaded for free through the Bandcamp player below.
Tracklist:
1. The Malediction of the Fallen
2. The Rite of Conjuration
3. The Morning Star
4. The Awakening
5. The Serpentine Offering
6. The Son of Perdition
7. The Ruler of Cosmic Existence
Personnel:
Astraeos – Vocals, strings, samples
Sven – Drums
Text by Vetrarnótt
