The Hellenic gods keep marching with the release of their fifth album, "All Powers of Darkness." Simply-yet-elegantly titled, "All Powers of Darkness" is indeed an apt descriptor for MEDIEVAL DEMON: their sound remains austere and unflinching, high drama taken even higher, but forever unbound and as wild as their hearts of hellflame. One could successfully argue that the album evinces more grit or at least their most analog-sounding production to date, which goes down a storm with the emphasis on their "demonic orchestral" side here. Interestingly, the aggression has thus become more epic and dynamic, featuring that pulse so paradigmatic of classic Greek black metal as well as some truly inspired solos & leads, making this album the very definition of "wide screen." The saxophone makes another appearance, haunting as ever...

The album has eight songs, and "Raging Lord of the Deeps" is first. The opening sequence is organ heavy, sounding like Dungeon Synth, and the drums pound in the deep. What follows is an utterly energetic and chaotic sound, with a thick wall of guitars, and harsh vocal utterances. "Mystic Path towards the Abyss" has a downright catchy riff, within the boundaries of pure evil of course, and also bring a measure of power and contentiousness to the table. The vocals are tortured, although measured carefully, and the entire song could scare a dead person. "Archaic Sacrificial Rites" uses a mixture of echoed vocals with deep, cavernous guitar work and backing elements that are very harrowing. I feel like my hair is turning white the longer I listen, and I am discovering nefarious secrets as the album continues.

"Tartarean Winds of Vengeance" carries a lot of power of the dead with it, almost like skulls that have woken up from black magic. "I surrender my soul to the dead," he quips. You can feel the flames rising until the engulf you. "Eosforean Night" has more harrowing tones, and it's as if the entire world is plunging into darkness. You know what comes with the night…evil. More keyboards and meaty bass guitar notes are used in this song also, and the help to maintain the thick sound. "Fullmoon Over the Temple of Belial" begins with ominous vocal chants that hang in the air continuously along with the harsh vocals. His evil laughter reminds you of your futile attempt to escape…it will never happen. "Abaddon" has a combination of deep drum strikes, an energetic riff, and absolutely harrowing vocals, reflecting that the title of the song refers to a high ranking knight of Hell.

The title track is the final offering, and it gathers all evil from across every plane of Hell together to march on the earth as the final war. They bring suffering, disease, and ultimately, death. Overall, this frightening album was evil incarnate, if ever there were such a thing. The band uses various backing elements together with guitars and vocals to create a massive, twisted beast that used to live in the shadows, but has now stepped into the light. It is so hideous, one gaze into its foul eyes will reduce you to ash.