Ophidian

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Band(s): Ophidian
Label(s): Iron Bonehead Productions
Release Format(s): Cassette, EP
Release Year: 2024
Review Date: October 17, 2024
Author(s): FelixS

Like many others, I have an unquenchable thirst for Greek Black Metal, so not only the obvious bands of the past, but certainly also the newer acts that regularly make an appearance manage to arouse the necessary enthusiasm in me. For instance, in recent years there have been bands like Ithaqua, Cult Of Eibon, Funeral Storm, Caedes Cruenta or even Haan Valar and Messe De Minuit that sound very authentic but are not Greek themselves, all bands that managed to bring that mystical and arcane sound with conviction. To this, thankfully, ever-expanding list, we can now also add Ophidian.

Pretty much all classic Greek Black Metal from the early 90’s had that same distinctly recognizable sound that firmly tied them together, yet practically all of them had something to offer of their own. Maybe a bit less diverse than, say, Norwegian Black Metal, but the differences between Varathron, Septic Flesh, Horrified and Necromantia for instance is evident, while they all evidently came from the same root.

And it is pretty much this tradition that seems to also be reflected in the younger generation of bands that pay homage to the old Hellenic Black Metal sound. With Ophidian as one of the latest additions to the fold, it is clear that this one-man band goes for a far rougher and more unpolished sound, akin to the earliest recordings of Varathron for instance. The songs are not much different in nature compared to the classic early Rotting Christ of Varathron tracks, maybe a bit more Heavy Metal-laced, but the crux of Ophidian is certainly be found in the more “demo”-production.

This certain rawer sound definitely fits the music and even propels it into higher levels of authenticity. The eerie Folky melodies, for instance in this EP’s closing track, are tucked away so far into the music that they only appear if you’re paying enough attention. But such details, just as those Heavy Metal-fuelled leads, are making the 20+ minutes of ‘Descent Into The Labyrinth’ such a captivating ride.

For now it is mostly guessing whether this particular production was just a result of how things got together naturally, or if it was a clear preconceived plan. But whatever led Ophidian to this sound, it works perfectly and it makes ‘Descent Into The Labyrinth’ a more than glorious tribute to the majesty of Hellenic Black Metal.

VM-UNDERGROUND

Extreme Metal Fanzine est. 2012

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Ophidian – Descent Into The Labyrinth [EP]

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