Necromantia – 'To the Depths We Descend': A farewell to Baron Blood

The Necromantia present us with their latest album. After the first taste we got with the single ‘Inferno’, the band presents us with the complete album titled ‘To the Depths We Descend‘.

A few words about Necromantia

Founded in Athens in the late ‘80s, together with Rotting Christ and Varathron, they belong to the absolute elite of Greek "Black Metal". They are known for the total absence of electric guitar (with the bass taking over the primary role instead), and for the frequent use of instruments not usually associated with black metal, such as the saxophone and the flute. They have released three demo tapes, four full-length albums, one mini album, one split album, one split EP and various 7” EPs and reissues.

With darkness as their compass, they kept making music for almost three decades. A source of inspiration for younger bands, breaking boundaries and expanding the “Necro universe”.

In 2019 Baron Blood departed from this world. Magus decided to disband the group, but not before creating one last work as a tribute to his lost brother in darkness. Thus was born "To the Depths We Descend…».

Analysis through the eyes of a faithful fan

Having been a faithful follower of the band for years, I'll try to be as objective as possible. I'm afraid, though, that this will be extremely difficult. The band's final farewell, and also Baron Blood's, "To the Depths we Descend", manages across 6 new tracks to reproduce everything that makes Necromantia special. 

As I said in the introduction, Necromantia are known for their use of the eight-string bass (instead of a conventional electric guitar). The first thing one notices on the new record, however, is that it's missing… This is because the eight-string bass –that unique sound– belongs to Baron Blood, and it will remain with him, as Magus himself said. 

So all the musical themes/riffs here are played on electric guitar, and behind that is Giorgos Emmanouil (Rotting Christ, Lucifer's Child). The guitarist does an excellent job, with a fantastic, full-bodied tone, his guitar casting its shadow just as Baron Blood's bass used to. The drums are pounded with fury and precision by Yiannis VotsisSo, in his own way, he adds his name and his signature to the immense legacy of Necromantia.

My opinion?! Stop whatever you're doing and listen to the record. From start to finish, faithfully, in quiet and calm. Alone, in a room with no lights, and salute the Abyss through Magus's eyes.

About the record

The absolute highlight of the record is "And the Shadows Wept", the farewell hymn, in memory of Barron Blood. I also find excellent "Daemonocentric”, “Eldritch" and "To the Depths We Descend”.

The record closes with two epic re-recordings of "Lord of the Abyss" and the ultimate anthem of Necromantia: "The Warlock". Modern versions of two legendary tracks, played in a more "orthodox" way, take on an entirely new "weight", without however losing their cult identity.

The album was presented on 15/10/21 and it's signed by The Circle Music, Hell's Fire Records (Facebook) and Rabauw.

Invest your time in this epic, if you're even a little bit of a fan of dark sound, and you won't be disappointed.