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The Greek Black Metal scene was birthed alongside the Norwegian movement, and has kept in stride with it in some ways and surpassed it in others. The Greeks play BM the old Hellenic way: theatrical, dramatic and exotic even, whereas Norway has always embraced a more frigid and raw approach to the craft. To have experienced Greek Black Metal is to have come to know legendary groups such as the mighty Rotting Christ, the experimental Necromantia, the brutal Varathron and the cultural Kawir.
Greece’s Lucifer’s Child – a band that fosters Greek Black Metal in its traditional form as they homage the above-mentioned Legends of the scene – formed in 2013, and have released three studio LPs. Lucifer’s Child prodigy and guitarist, George Emmanuel (formerly of Rotting Christ), left RC so he could focus solely on LC and the development of his studio enterprise, Pentagram Studio. Since then, his purpose has been to honor the Lightbringer through the timeless art of Black Metal. His talents? Of the world-class variety, and his vision for Lucifer’s Child is one of prestige. Everything from the band’s logo, to their album’s classy cover art, to their record’s stunning production quality speaks volumes as to George’s understanding of what makes Black Metal the finest Dark Art; deserving of illustriousness; capable of astonishment.
On March 28, Lucifer’s Child released The Illuminant via the renowned Agonia Records. Agonia is a highly respected Polish Record Label that champions the art of Black Metal by representing bands like Lucifer’s Child, Aeternus and the aforementioned Varathron. Their ability to distinctively cull such talented bands from out of the masses has set them apart from most other Labels. Now, let us prepare ritual’s blessed altar for the great summoning! Let’s get into The Illuminant…
Like Hell’s fury unleashed! No pretentious intro. It’s head first into the inferno we go as the opening track, “Antichrist”, unleashes bewildering riffs and blasts; atmosphere teeming with rage as this brilliant alternation between swift and mid-tempo’d arrangements commences. An album cut of rapturous proportions. The follower, “As Bestas” – a bestial affair – rousingly melodic and martially cadenced. For the Moon and for the fervor of the hunt, for the enchantment of the night! An unforgettable number that impales the spirit; holding it captive for just over 5:00. Bother not to fight it! Succumb to the will of the Beast this night in preparation for “The Serpent and the Rod”. Galloping along now as our inhibitions are vanquished. Riding haphazardly into the Serpent’s lair to the sound of gargantuan rhythms and one wailing solo.
The Illuminant has been a very long time coming, and expectations for it have been astronomical. Lucifer’s Child are just owning the competition here. What a beautifully nuanced piece. Such delicate intricacies in riffing offset by such powerful percussive techniques. And the choirs, the chants and Marios Dupont’s godlike vocals – a feast of fire for the Pyro. From the start, a genre-dominating performance thus far.
Lucifer’s Child has honed their craft to perfection. The Illuminant will undoubtedly serve as LC’s “Non Serviam” or “Crossing the Fiery Path”. That album where the planets align, the band is in the zone and at their creative apex. The definitive Lucifer’s Child record, following the Rotting Christ-worshipping “The Heavens Die”, closes with “And All is Prelude”. Ritualistic chants to summon the Great Olde Ones! Skies cracked and portals to Acheron swung wide. The grande climax, the great reckoning…Unfolding to the sound of Black Metal in its most epic form. Earth’s mantle quaking to the rhythm and Daemons of the Pit in sway to each hypnotic passage. The Greeks have done it again! With The Illuminant, Lucifer’s Child sends a clear message to the Nords, to the Swedes and to the Finns, and the message is one of intimidating sensibilities. True Helladic Black Metal that’s nostalgic and impactful as were those above-mentioned Golden Age of Black Metal triumphs. Salutes!
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