The Greek black metal scene is not one unfamiliar with experimentation or those willing to push the boundaries of black metal and its adjacent genres. This is one of many reasons I hold it in high regard, and one fairly new band to the scene, who have forged a somewhat unique take on their nation’s black metal identity is Eldingar.
Hailing from the nation’s capital, Athens, this four-piece have taken elements of melodic and borderline gothic black metal and partnered it with some of the more folk-oriented elements of the genre. Adding into the mix is a focus on their homeland’s rich and diverse mythologies and ancient history, which feels like essential listening for anyone who digs fellow Greeks, Kawir or is fascinated by the ancient pantheon religion.
As well as giving us some highly impressive blast beats and jagged tremolo driven strings, Eldingar have spaced out their dissonant tracks amongst spoken word pieces and melodies featuring indigenous Greek instruments. For those of us who dig metal’s appreciation for the obscure and the lost, this is an area of musicianship that will make you smile if you love bands who represent the lesser known elements of their origins and history – one of many reasons why I feel the Greek scene deserves higher praise than the Scandinavian.
Speaking of the scenes from the North of Europe, Eldingar have taken a good deal of inspiration from the blokes who put black metal on the map and the tunes on Lysistrata feel as heart-warming as ever for fans of the default Scandinavian black metal sound.
Overall, we have a Hellenic black metal tome that tells a wonderful story inspired by the band’s homeland and features a versatile level of musicianship that makes it something equally enjoyable for everyday listening, and for something soothing that would be perfect for a late evening siesta. Eldingar are going places and Lysistrata is the next step-up in their journey to Hellenic significance.
(8/10 Demitri Levantis)
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