Viserion has forged its riffs.
Inspired by the Game of Thrones series, the American project brings together Benedetto Marvilli (guitar/vocals, Hollow Voice, ex-Moniasin), Matthew Marvilli (drums, Hollow Voice, ex-Moniasin), Cris Valentine (guitar, ex-Moniasin, ex-Nascentum) and Tasso Diakov (bass, Nascentum, Protagony), released its new EP, Fire & Blood, in 2026.
Fire and Blood is the first to strike, mixing icy Black Metal with an aggressive approach led by ferocious blasts and vocals that start out screechy and then become much thicker. The Old School tones remind us of the style’s origins and vengeance, while offering a thick mix that favors aggression even on the slower break, then the sharp leads join the mix before letting Mad King take the reins with a more jerky infernal touch that leaves a certain ease of movement to the harmonics. The vocals remain as present as ever, magnifying the heady final acceleration that leads us to Reign of Fire and its epic guitars which, combined with a ferocious rhythm section, offer us a truly warlike charge that is relatively accessible. The changing pace allows the atmosphere to evolve while retaining its haunting touch until the very slow finale, followed by Blackfyre, which continues in this direction and develops a dissonant sound before becoming bolder and more martial, almost heavy at times, especially when the solo strikes us with its abrasive tones. Keyboards welcome us at the end of the song, paving the way for chaos with Harrenhal, which resumes at full speed with a devastating rhythm that nevertheless makes room for rather cold, ethereal moments, drawing on its Nordic influences to weave melodies before mixing them with renewed fury. Although the band attempts a feint with an initial pause, the length of the song allows it to start again and finally fade into silence.
Viserion offers us an unexpected comeback with Fire & Blood, featuring incisive compositions with distinct roots. While the influences are perfectly identifiable to connoisseurs, the riffs’ coldness will easily win over its audience’s hearts.
85/100
