On June 5, 2020, LVA released "Ας Αρχισει η Τελετη." LVA is a black metal band from Italy. They formed in 2006 as a literary project and was making music from 2014 to 2015 as the band "LUA D'INVERNO." After releasing an EP in 2015 titled "In A Corner Of Winter," they changed their name to LVA. In 2017, they released "Embers Of A Black Plague," which makes "Ας Αρχισει η Τελετη" the band's second release. The album title is Greek for "Let the Ceremony Begin," which is simultaneously ominous and exciting.

LVA's sound is uncommon and cohesively thought out. They have all the characteristics of traditional black metal, especially the hallmark coldness. This is accomplished with bleak guitar riffs that feature heavy use of sharp notes, cutting through high and clear. There are barely any sound effects or symphonic elements used to add atmosphere and drama, which is fine, as the music has a fury about it all the same. The production is clean, which suits the tone of the music.

"Almadel Dodecagrammis" is a fierce start to the album. The drums are blasting at a relentless pace for most of the track and the guitars create a dissonant wall of sound. The last minute of the song slows down but maintains the uneasy atmosphere with a sharp guitar riff. The third track "Gnosis Atlas Portal" stands out as an instrumental. The sound gets more and more deranged as the song progresses and the guitar riffs get sharper and sharper. "First Last Living One" is a 10 minute closer and is comparatively melodic with more doom-laden slow parts. Stylistically, it's a good choice because the jarring nature of the music can be a bit much for a 41 minute album.

Overall, I recommend "Ας Αρχισει η Τελετη" to modern black metal fans.  LVA gets points from me for using sharp notes to create the characteristic bleak atmosphere of black metal. The jarring notes create a bit of discomfort, but the music is somehow still enjoyable. Their sound and style is cohesive and I would be interested to see how it matures.