Temple of Katharsis – Worshippers of the Ancient Necromancy
Temple of Katharsis are back with a new album. The record titled Worshippers of the Ancient Necromancy is here to shake us up! With Worshippers of the Ancient Necromancy, Temple of Katharsis aren't trying to "reinvent" anything. On the contrary, they put together a record that's a ritual.
By Dimitris (Bari) Polyzois
Strict, stripped-down and devoted to the essence of orthodox black metal. The purpose and the goal of the sound is to serve and showcase the filth that is the classic black metal sound.
The intro Obscure Black Oath is the initiation
The intro Obscure Black Oath is the initiation, especially if you're not familiar with the band's sound. It's the time you need for your eyes and ears to adjust to the darkness that's about to be revealed. Moving into Season of the Bloodhunt, the purpose becomes clear and Temple of Katharsis present us with a black metal sound with thrash edges, but always steeped in a medieval, ritualistic aura.
The album moves forward with consistency and discipline. It doesn't chase "big climaxes" and fancy moments to steal your attention; instead, methodically, faithfully, with blasphemous devotion, it invests in rot and darkness, with the atmosphere growing heavier with every passing minute. Celebrating the Coronation of Grand Evil has a more speed metal character, with elements and details that betray some Darkthrone influences, while Tainaros lends a distinct, homegrown tone, with a hymn-like style and a character carrying a strong scent of the sea and pagan rites lost in time at the sanctuary of Poseidon.
The title track Worshippers of the Ancient Necromancy stands out
The title track Worshippers of the Ancient Necromancy stands out because it "sculpts" its dark atmosphere better, with melody taking a central role in the composition, cutting through the record's razor-sharp riffs like freezing wind through cracks. Likewise, The Sorrowful Path of Death casts a more mournful, gothic shadow over the record, without diluting the thoroughbred black character, which is the main thing this album is selling. Genuine rot, the kind that's been missing from a scene that's become rather too refined by now.
On the other hand, The Darkness Which Swallows the Earth brings in and weaves together some doom influences, with heavier, bulkier and slower-crawling riffs, as if they're dragging themselves out of hell's thickest darkness. And then comes 8 Horned Entity. A finale that vindicates the record in every respect. Aggressive, sharp, with a frozen aesthetic and disgusting, icy riffs, but also faintly catchy melodic lines, the closing track is like a small tribute to Dissection.
All in all, Worshippers of theAncient Necromancy is a record that will speak mainly to those who demand authenticity and an honest, unadulterated black metal listen. Raw production, traditional songwriting, and an atmosphere that doesn't dissolve for a single second. It's not an album for "easy" listening; but it is for proper and orthodox listening.
