Review by Felix on May 25, 2025.

I freely admit that a band like Acherontas is not always on my radar. Thus, I was not really aware of the creativity of these musicians. But in the shadow of the groups I pay more attention to, the Greek's list of releases has grown longer and longer. It includes more points than the list of character, psychological and professional shortcomings of many colleagues in my company and that's saying something. Not to mention my own shortcomings! Anyway, here we have album number 10 in 18 years. No pain, no gain.

Nekyia – The Necromantic Patterns represents the black metal scene of Greece pretty well. Is it a stereotype, only my own perception or simply true that many sinister heroes from the sun-drenched country celebrate an approach with an above-average number of ritualistic, majestic and eerie elements? Acherontas do it this way and the result is very convincing. The secret of the album's success is the nearly perfect combination of its different building blocks. In addition to the previously mentioned components, the album also holds tragic, melancholic and, last but not least, absolutely furious and straight sections. It is not only the very direct and fast beginning of "Serpent's Oath – Hymns Of The Coiled Void" which definitely realigns the listener's hairstyle within seconds thanks to its whipping drum beats. The fanatic and intensive parts, obviously performed by musicians who are possessed by the devil, are doubtlessly great and necessary. But the full-length also reveals an enormous spiritual strength which is nearly omnipresent during the exciting 46 minutes. Some spoken words sections and a few female vocals, seemingly originating from outer dimensions, contribute to the wild and fascinating overall picture as well. I don't exaggerate when I say that the songs on Nekyia… form a sonic adventure. People who avoid roller coaster rides should be warned.

Despite the pure black metal flavour of the output, rather non-typical instruments are not forbidden. Maybe a piano is still more or less standard for the open-minded fans among us (are there any? Hopefully not), but I was really surprised that Carpathian Forest have sent their saxophone to Greece. It has its 50 seconds of fame at the beginning of "The Crimson Litany Of Eternal Return" (by the way, the song titles underline that the band's homeland has given the world immortal philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle, Epicurus or Plato. Not Pluto, this is someone else.) This intro sounds like a very early black metal track from the 20s of the last century, somehow weird, somehow cool, in any case terrifying. But I run the risk of painting the wrong picture. Nekyia… is dominated by breakneck outbursts, very successful mid-tempo parts, mostly harsh vocals and, above all, a great sense of melody and the interplay of the various elements. The album delivers impressions, twists and turns and moods in abundance. At times it is like running through an ancient city that is burning at every turn. But, if I'm not mistaken, that was Rome and not Athens. Not quite sure, even I wasn't already born in 64 AD. However, if it really was Rome, the picture doesn't quite fit perfectly with Acherontas.

Highlights? Well, the album as such and what else? If I have to name individual titles in addition to the, in my opinion, absolutely flawless, full-bodied, largely transparent but never soulless production, I end up, for example, with "Venomous Ascension – The Nexus Of The Void". It's a monument from the beginning to the end, but in particular its impulsive outbreak of natural forces, coming over the listener at 3:36, is absolutely irresistible. Another gem is called "The Elder Keybearer's Awakening". A fragile guitar line introduces the track, the commanding, powerful vocals set in and the intensity grows constantly. Acherontas act fervently and passionately as they celebrate another high speed part and yes, there can be no doubt: black metal is more than "only" a style. It is a form of spirituality which has turned into music and a kind of confession at the same time. Maybe it is even the loudest form of philosophy. At least "Truth Is A Pathless Land", the title of the last song, a hybrid between an outro and a regular number, speaks for itself. Or is this kind of expression simply in the blood of the Greeks thanks to their cultural heritage? Either way, Nekyia – The Necromatic Patterns is simply a great piece of work and you are well advised to check out jewels like "The Chalice Of Fiery Transmutation" sooner rather than later.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by JD on January 18, 2010.

I cant believe that Black Asylum has not been found on my radar at any time here, because I am known for finding those unknown quantities in the world of Metal. With frantic yet impressive guitars, anger filled vocals and a bass sound that is so amazing... I actually have missed even hearing about them. Humm... gotta change that right now...

Australia has come out of nowhere and slammed my head again with a band that is beyond the scope of being awesome. Black Asylum is one of those rare breeds of metallers that has such a unique blend of metal that ends up sounding so fresh but still blows your mind. From the frantic sides of Nu-metal the incorporated the undeniable heaviness of Death, the near uncontrolled melodies of Thrash and even add into it some real technical playing like in Shred Metal... they combine it all and come up with what I call a ‘Controlled Chaotic Juggernaut Of Metal’. Long name for a band that has made a big impression on me.

The entire EP is more than worth a listen, each part of it is amazing but it is the first track thunderous vibe that brings you in. You get instantly some unabashed fury, chainsaw heavy power guitars and all with the unmistakable passion that goes through it all, melds together with their unmistakable anthemic lyrical ideas to make you want more. The recording seems to be great, but I want to see the level of everything kicked up a notch or two... some of the songs seem to have that ‘muddy’ feeling a time or two - but thankfully that does not detract any from the music.

Black Asylum really does sound like a good bottle of Whiskey or a well brewed keg of beer tastes, they can give you so much pleasure... best thing though is you don’t have to worry about major hangovers. Pick up the album, pour yourself a shot and decide for yourself.

Categorical Rating Breakdown　

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Production: 7
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 7.5

Rating: 7.5 out of 10