Social Scream – 'Δεινόν Εστί': Their fifth release!

Their fourth, or if we count "From Ashes to Hope", their fifth full-length release, shows Social Scream in top musical form. Perhaps their best yet, since in my opinion, this particular work is also their most mature.

A very noteworthy album

Without wanting to diminish any of the band's previous, exceptionally noteworthy releases, 'Δεινόν Εστί' radiates the confidence and self-assurance of a band that has now officially found its sound. The experimentation and searching - which, in the case of Social Scream , thankfully gave us some very strong albums - now come to a halt, and a solid musical foundation is taking shape.

To build this foundation, the nostalgic Social Scream chose to turn to the past, to the late '80s and the '90s, and to start their own effort to revive the sound of that era. The main risk of such a move is falling into cliché and failing to add any new ideas. Thankfully, on 'Δεινόν Εστί' we get neither of the two, with Social Scream handling their choice brilliantly and delivering an album that is at once nostalgic yet also able to stand its ground and shine on the modern scene.

On the music

The album opens with the song "Inmates" which moves in more traditional heavy metal rhythms, with a few thrash touches, while at several points it brings to mind a bit of Judas Priest. With "Inmates" the chapter of sound with European influences closes - to some extent - since afterwards, ‘Δεινόν Εστί‘, relies on more groovy and thrash/heavy approaches, with a distinct flavour of the American scene of the 90s.

Songs like "Frozen in Time" present a darker profile, while "Exaggelos" is, I think, one of the most distinctive songs in their discography and perhaps one of the finest on the record. Also, an excellent song is the album's closer, the "Lost Angel Falls", with a strong groove metal character, a distinctive bassline, and also a beautiful melodic interlude.

In conclusion

The Social Scream, on 'Δεινόν Εστί', they've found the sound that suits them perfectly. They've tamed and digested their influences, and the sound presented on this particular album is truly their own. So, if you haven't listened to this tremendous domestic release yet, don't waste any more time. The 'Δεινόν Εστί' is a record you shouldn't miss.