There is absolutely no doubting the pedigree of the duo within the ranks of this new act Zaratus which comprises Bill Zobolas (Soulskinner, Thou Art Lord) and Stefan Necroabyssius (Varathron, Katavasia) plus a whole host of other acts they’ve both been involved in. With Bill covering all instruments and Stefan on vocal duties the pair joined forces and released a debut EP, ‘The Descent’, in 2019. Whilst that said EP was firm grounding for the duo it didn’t set the black metal world alight but was a firm footing in the Greek black metal underground planting roots and establishing the hallmarks of their sound ready for this debut full length.
The change from the EP to this debut has been colossal to say the least, the exponential growth in song writing and expansive ambition is immediate the moment opener ‘Ceremonies Before Light’s Existence’ starts up. With keyboard adornments the song has a symphonic backdrop that creates a far more solemn morose atmosphere as the hoarse harsh black vocal line manifests as avant-garde styling that had me thinking about Arcturus.
‘Darkness And Decay’ opens with an isolated guitar piece, stark in nature before the blasted drum work crashes in and a far more hideous vocal thrusts forth. The vocals styling has hints of Czech theatrical shouter Big Boss due to the toning as the music has hints of mid-era Rotting Christ but far more sinister and far more caustic, reinforced by the keyboards I’ve already mentioned. Dropping into acoustic guitar is excellent offering that melodrama I’ve suggested to really intensify the epic nature of the album that the band hinted at on the EP.
The title track is awesome, with dense overriding power the song oppresses the listener by pinning you back with obsidian symphonic drama before speeding up abruptly with periodic blast phases interspersed with some downright catchy riffs that hook into your head. I do love the way this band etches eerie catchiness into their songs as they immerse a sense of horrifying dread with a sprinkling of terror in each of them as ‘The Haunted Palace’ proves. At eight minutes plus the duo really get their song writing teeth into showcasing their skills, the symphonic beginning sets the scene for the cinematic horror that awaits as the keyboard drenching allows the blackened drama to build up sublimely. There is a silken darkness that threads through the song sheathing it in tremulous terror before the blast inserts.
Returning to a more blackened styled ‘Heritage Of Fire’ has a snapping tempo before the keyboards are added ramping up the atmospheric charging where a cool guitar hook is added. As the song evolves the melodic nature really seizes you as the riffing diverts into what I would describe as a mild punk driven nature momentarily before the album concludes with ‘Zoroastrian Priests’. This lengthy piece opens with prolonged percussive instrumentation that eventually cedes for the metal riffing which is slow and doom laden in atmosphere. With a moody aura steeped in solemnity and dramatic edging the song gradually intensifies with ever escalating drum work as keyboards create a surreal creepiness at the songs finale.
Those that love their Hellenic black metal need look no further than Zaratus, their debut release has everything you desire, epic cinematic black metal saturated in emotive riffing, drenched in despondent drama and teeming with ambitious atmosphere.
(8.5/10 Martin Harris)
Leave a Reply