Decipher presents its new chapter.
Led by Kostas Gerochristos (vocals/guitar, Lucifer’s Child, ex-Warhammer), Nodas Chatzopoulos (drums, Absense) and Costas Ragiadakos (bass, Dephosphorus, ex-Abyssus), the band sticks with Transcending Obscurity Records for the release of its second album, Thelema.
The band greets us with Return to Naught, a majestic opening track that wastes no time in showcasing its dissonant power, complemented by raw vocals that amplify the oppressive atmosphere. The song slows down at times but always returns to its cruising speed before moving on to the lengthy The Black March, a fairly similar composition with a slightly more jerky approach that eventually becomes more regular while remaining abrasive, offering up cold harmonics. The mix suddenly becomes more chaotic and mysterious, then disappears into nothingness, giving way to Seven Scars, which adopts a more melodious touch on the instrumental side, but also a more macabre side on the vocal side, proudly displaying its disparity which, although it sounds quite aggressive at first, ends up seeming complementary. Vocals and backing vocals also go hand in hand to lead us to Bound to the Wheel, a new track where we also feel the Greek touch in the heady harmonics, whether at a good speed or on the more haunting passage that launches the solo. We then move on to Hail Death, the longest of the seven tracks, which has some very slow parts that I think would work well live, but the livelier passages remain in colder tones, ensuring an interesting heterogeneity throughout the rhythm of the track. Towards Renaissance takes over after a final gasp, anchoring the track in furious tones while maintaining the melodious dissonance, with another interesting rhythm that captivates the audience with a norwegian hint in the sound. The album already reaches its last track with Litany and its introductory guitar lament that leads to a blast and proves that it lives up to its name, offering mystical touches, incantations in several languages, and finally this silent ending.
Decipher proves that their first album was no flash in the pan, and that the band cultivates a heavy sound between Black and Death Metal with a certain standard. Thelema will already find its place in the Hellenic Black Metal section.
85/100
