FUNERAL STORM - Arcane Mysteries
Hells Headbangers Records
Just to be honest I was never overly impressed with the Greek black metal scene (aka: Hellenic Black Metal). Sure there's a couple of decent bands who put out some decent albums back in the day. But either those bands would later call it quits or go into territories like goth, symphonic or worse.
Which brings us to this one here. FUNERAL STORM's claim to fame is that it features Stefan Necroabyssious of VARATHRON on vocals. But that was not always the case. FUNERAL STORM started out as a solo project way back when by multi-instrumentalist Wampyrion (aka: Sakis Axiotis). That act started under a different name entirely. But this modern act started around seven years ago. Necroabyssious came on board in 2015 and a second guitarist, Aliki Arcania Sarakatsanou, jumped on in 2017.
Musically this is Sakis Axiotis' baby and since he has a band background in electronic and industrial music those influences are slightly touched on here. Add Necroabyssious and you've got some what of a throwback to VARATHRON's early days with enhancements. I wouldn't call this actual black metal at all. It's actually more in line with doom riffs plus a few sped up drum portions. Yeah there's some speedy riffs but hey. At least the keys are kept low in the mix to just add a subtle atmospheric melody.
In the end I'd say hand this over to the goths or some VARATHRON devotees, who they are I don't know. But to be honest this release will satisfy em. Obviously I was never much of a VARATHRON fan to begin with. I have one early album and one later from the fuckin mid-90's. I don't know what people see in em but hey I was at a ROTTING CHRIST show not too long ago and they sucked. But the venue was packed and kids were buying $40 hoodies so there you go.
https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/
https://funeralstormgreece.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/funeralstorm666
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