When one thinks of Symphonic Death Metal, one may automatically reach for names like FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, but alas, we also have Greece's mighty SEPTICFLESH, who have recently reissued and remastered what, I believe, was one of their best albums; 1997's "Ophidian Wheel". Even back then, the sound quality of this album was astounding, given what was in my opinion a muddy, dirty mixing quality that plagued many 90's Death and Black Metal records, and the remastering has renewed my opinion.

"The Future Belongs to the Brave" is a six minute mouthful that opens the record, and comes across, initially, as a fast and furious Death Metal track, with brutal vocals delivered by Spiros that very much remind me of Nergal's young pipes. Soon enough, one is introduced to the enchanting voice of Natalie Rassoulis, who introduces an eerie gothic atmosphere to the album. "Phallic Litanies" is, essentially, totally different; it feels more like a clean cut, Gothic / Doom album; incredibly slow tempo, with dirge-like riffs, accompanied by melodramatic, sweeping, ambient keyboards.  We also hear a choral-sounding duet in parts, by Natalie and Sotiris. I feel like "On the Topmost Step of the Earth" was chosen as the monument track for this record; it is the longest, and has the most significant air of 'epic' around it. It feels more progressive in nature, with the same characteristic flourishes found in more eccentric bands, and slower, stunted riffage, capped off with an enjoyably melodic solo.

"Gemoetry in Static" can't seem to stop changing its mind; altering by funereally-slow tempos and hellish artillery fire; musically, a hard song to get into, but I feel that is more so because of the intelligence with which it is composed, than the musicianship and inherent enjoyability of the track. "Shamanic Rite", oddly enough, sounds more like an AMORPHIS track; similar to the above, but with a greater presence of clean guitar melody, and pained, emotional female vocals.  I feel quite safe in saying that "Heaven Below" was my favorite track on this record; it begins majestic and energetic, cantering at a mid-tempo gallop, overlaid with soaring melodies. Alas, once again, in a gorgeously SEPTICFLESH-like fashion, we are yanked 6 feet under again to a mellow-emotional dirge. This song is also rife with intertwining bass and guitar melodies, which were enough to instill emotions that would hang unescapably heavy on the happiest of people.

This reissue has reminded me to revisit a band I was a fan of long ago; I am glad to see that Greece is yet another country that is putting out stellar Metal bands, like FIREWIND and ROTTING CHRIST.