Allow me a moment to unravel the enigmatic veil that shrouds Satan and delve into the realm of power that surrounds this intriguing entity. In doing so, we embark on a journey into the abyss, guided by the debut album of Malakhim, a Swedish black metal force. “Theion” beckons us with its beguiling amalgamation of grandeur reminiscent of Immortal and Marduk, interwoven with the ferocious onslaught of old-school Northern European death metal.
“Theion” exudes the signature allure of the second wave of black metal. An atmospheric haze hangs heavily, akin to a dense fog leading us into a world of impending doom. The resounding blast beats echo, creating the chaotic and unsettling essence inherent to black metal. Yet, Malakhim remains rooted in their Swedish origins. The buzzsaw guitars introduce groovy melodies that undergo transformative evolution. Amidst the fervor of black metal’s frenzy, there emerge steadfast, deliberately paced riffs reminiscent of the old-school death metal days.
In many ways, Malakhim evokes parallels with Mgła, albeit with a slightly more “gentle” demeanor than the formidable behemoth. They strike a delicate balance between black and death metal, harmonizing the two to craft an album that is both cataclysmic and intricately crafted.
Malakhim: Channeling the Unseen Forces
Emerging from the shadows, Malakhim unveils an arcane tapestry of sound that beckons listeners to traverse realms beyond. Their sonic alchemy intertwines the otherworldly with the corporeal, weaving a narrative that pays homage to their black metal lineage while forging a unique path of their own. As the ethereal melodies of “There Is a Beacon” envelope us, we are drawn into a haunting embrace that serves as our initiation into the world of “Theion.”
Eternal Struggle: Black Metal and Death’s Embrace
“Theion” showcases a mesmerizing dance between opposing forces. The relentless force of black metal collides with the unyielding weight of death, each note and rhythm a testament to this eternal struggle. “Merciless Angel of Pestilence” epitomizes this convergence, where the abyssal growls and unrelenting pace fuse seamlessly with the contemplative tempo shifts reminiscent of the old-school death metal ethos.
A Symphony of Darkness: Unraveling the Tracks
Each track on “Theion” unfolds like a chapter in an arcane tome, revealing glimpses of a cryptic narrative. “Slither O Serpent” slithers with malevolent intent, its dissonant chords and relentless momentum capturing the essence of a serpent’s treacherous grace. “Chalice of Ruin” exudes a somber elegance, its mournful melodies juxtaposed against a backdrop of rhythmic devastation.
Amidst this sonic journey, “His Voiceless Whisper” stands as a haunting interlude, a moment of respite before the storm that follows. The storm arrives in the form of “Hammer of Satan,” a track that reverberates with an unrelenting ferocity, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s psyche.
The Grand Finale: The Splendor of Stillborn Stars
As “Theion” reaches its zenith with “The Splendour of Stillborn Stars,” we are witness to a grand finale that encapsulates the album’s essence. The track navigates through a symphony of darkness, its multifaceted composition a testament to Malakhim’s artistic prowess. A sense of grandiosity lingers, as if gazing upon the remnants of celestial bodies that never had the chance to shine.
In Retrospect: A Glorious Convergence
Malakhim’s “Theion” transcends mere sonic boundaries, beckoning us into a realm where black metal’s atmospheric mystique intertwines with the relentless brutality of death metal. This debut album is a glorious convergence of elements, seamlessly woven together to create an evocative and captivating auditory experience. As we bid farewell to “Theion,” we emerge from the abyss, forever changed by the transformative power of Malakhim’s creation.
Tracklist:
- There Is a Beacon
- Merciless Angel of Pestilence
- Slither O Serpent
- Chalice of Ruin
- His Voiceless Whisper
- Hammer of Satan
- The Splendour of Stillborn Stars
- Theion
Band: Malakhim
Genre: Black Metal
Nation: Sweden
Album: Theion
Year: 2020
Many thanks Link Source creadited by Lucas Pham