The label mentions Deviser as a band you might have “hidden gems among your collection” and indeed as with the recently reviewed …And Oceans there is one such jewel I remember with great fondness. That particular album was Running Sore, the group’s third full length from 1992. Despite its title which may have you thinking that it is going to be pus-filled and rancid death metal, this was not the case in the slightest. The Greek band play a classic style of Hellenic darkness but this album was not even that dark due to its symphonic elements, namely string sections that lightened the mood incredibly. The sweep of violin sound alongside the strumming guitars gave this a real Mediterranean warmth far removed from the cold air and graces of the Scandinavian scene. It was an album you could really bask in its glow. Unfortunately, it seems lost in a great external hard-drive meltdown but you can find it on the group’s Bandcamp if so inclined and embrace what I consider a classic.

After this there was nine years of silence until they followed things up with ‘Seasons Of Darkness’ which unfortunately passed me by and another 12 before we eventually arrive at where we are today with ‘Evil Summons Evil.’ Sporadic, things may well be and naturally there have been many complex line-up changes through the decades. It does seem that founding member Matt Hnaras is a constant force linking past to present along with core member Nick Christogiannis so one expects authenticity stretching back to the roots of the group here.

A drum beat emerges over opener ‘Death Is Life Eternal’ and things brood over an album that has many mid-paced stompers. Speed is not necessarily of the essence here but there is plenty of force to be found. In particularly this comes from the up-front vocals snarls, which are high in the mix and particularly venomous. There are surges of blackness and symphonic backing parts, the whole thing sounding malevolent and mighty if not quite as warm as the aforementioned album. Things are about to heat up though with the shout of “fire” on ‘Cold Comes The Night’ something that always provides a particularly good rallying cry in a song and adds to the rugged feudal march. Orchestral parts allow things to momentarily simmer from the main scorching firmament and add both atmosphere and grandiosity. By short instrumental ‘Tenebrae’ and follow up ‘Of Magick’ the band obviously decided a whole Greek chorus is not necessary, due to one particular lady Androniki Skoula more than capable of doing the whole range and hitting operatic soprano parts with consummate ease. Anyone who remembers the recently revived Chaostar will not be surprised at this in the slightest. No doubt keen observers will also pick out guest spots from Heljarmadr (Dark Funeral/Gra) & Efthimis Karadimas (Nightfall) on the album.

Lovers of that classic style of Hellenic riff work will no doubt be right at home with the fast strum of songs like ‘Evoking The Moon Goddess,’ as well as being swept along by the symphonic parts. Fury and majesty combine perfectly and there it is, that string sound subtly in the mix. Spoken words (ah, no doubt one of the other guests) tinge ‘Where Angels Fear to Tread’ and the main vocal snarls have reached a pinnacle of tar like caustic brutality. Although flamboyant the album never delves into pomposity and has been a delight to listen to repeatedly on a daily basis for review purposes. It’s incredibly well composed and constructed and has a fantastic sound mix courtesy of Psychon of SepticFlesh. By the time The Lights Go Out on the last number this should certainly have hit the spot and leave you hungering for both the back-catalogue and the possibility of shows. Obligatory, “hope they don’t leave it so long before the next album” comment.

(8.5/10 Pete Woods)

https://www.facebook.com/Deviserbandofficial

https://deviserofficial.bandcamp.com/album/evil-summons-evil-pre-order