VARATHRON – The Crimson Temple

Here’s another band that truly deserves the label of an “institution.” They are seldom mentioned and occasionally underrated. This might be a disadvantage. Still, it doesn’t erase their legacy. Varathron has been around for 35 years. They proudly wave a musical banner they helped create. Kindred spirits like Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Kawir, and Zemial also contributed to Greek black metal. Let’s not make the mistake of calling it merely an alternative to the Norwegian scene. What emerged from Hellenic soil was original and richly influenced. It was shaped into a style that remains unique and exemplary to this day. So, what should we expect from a band like them at the end of 2023? Simple: another high-level offering. That is exactly what they deliver with The Crimson Temple.

 

After six albums, numerous demos, and multiple splits, the band has reached remarkable stability. This stability extends not only to its lineup but also to its sound. Stefan Necroabyssious (aka Stefanos Karasavvas) remains the sole original member. He’s never had trouble recruiting talented musicians. These musicians instantly understand his formula. That formula is solemnly evil black metal, Luciferian in spirit, with accessible melodies. A classic songwriting approach anchors it. Mission accomplished. Untrodden Corridors of Hades (2014) and Patriarchs of Evil (2018) were recorded with the current lineup. These albums marked the band’s rebirth. Now, they deliver yet another compelling chapter.

 

This album immerses listeners in a world that is violent, dark, and epic all at once. It moves between folk-tinged mid-tempos and bursts of untamed fury. Take Hegemony of Chaos, for instance. It doesn’t rely on nonstop blast beats or constant tremolo. Its majestic sound comes alive thanks to guitarists Sotiris Kokkinos and Achilleas Kalantzis. Achilles also handles keyboards. His touch is evident even on more aggressive tracks. Consider the pairing of the Cimmerian Priesthood and Sinners of the Crimson Temple. Here, feral black metal meets classic ’80s heavy riffs. The rhythm section, Haris Kokkinos and Stratos Kountouras, delivers throughout the album. They’re playing pounds relentlessly on Immortalis Regnum Diaboli and Swamp King. The drumming becomes particularly ferocious here. Closing the tracklist but far from least, Constellation of the Archons blends soaring riffs, pure moments of pathos, and sheer malevolence. It encapsulates not only the album’s essence but also the stellar performance of every member. Necroabyssious is included, as ever, brooding and ferocious in his harsh vocals.

 

There’s no need to overstate it: Varathron have never produced shallow, sloppy, or careless music. They possess experience. They also possess mastery. This is enough to evolve with the times without losing their identity. The Crimson Temple is a dark, extreme, yet elegant work. It stands almost shoulder to shoulder with their previous efforts. This is music crafted by a band that knows exactly how to make music.