LYKHAEON are a black metal duo from Zurich (Switzerland) who came together in 2013 with MEISTER T on lead vocals & guitar and KERBEROS on vocals & bass guitar. They actually released their first album in 2015 titled TANZ DER ENTLEIBTEN which is German for the meaning; dance of the corporal. Then a few years later came their EP titled OMINOUS ERADICATION OF ANGUISHED SOULS in 2018. Now they have released another 7 tracks in the form of their second release, OPPROBIRUM through Repose Records. This also features a guest appearance by a drummer who is simply named J, as his real name is not known.

The first sound of this album we hear is the ascending rise of could be black metal sound effects or soundscape in the opening track, "Opprobirum". This effect is long and sinister before we hear a gasp of breath, then a building phrase on drums. The guitar also contributes with accenting on the rhythmic staccato of drums. Further on there is a short pause once more before the implosion of guitar. This is excessive but with the drums, it's overpowering too.

In the next instalment "A Stain Upon Celestial Rule" replicates the montage of guitar and drums with aggressive vocal overspill. This track is one of two longer tracks also timing in over 11 minutes. In this track also there are short correlations of where guitar and drums are teasing one another. The hint of sustained guitar together with satanic vocals and stoner rock or doom metal influences. We really are in it for the long haul, the horrifying soundscape too leaves us in suspense.

"Abducting The Seed" starts with a quick guitar amp sweep to unstoppable motion of progressive metal but then this begins to slow down. The vocals force the instruments into the deep descent into the abyss. We hear more black metal sound effects like guitar crackling, sadistic vocals and gloomy tones of impending doom. The third track carries a lot of weight too with this steady, mellow rock rhythm going through the motions. Guitar marks each note and leads the narrative for drums to contribute. This ends with more native or traditional sounds of lesser known instruments.

"Descent Into Ruinous Splendor" is like the previous track and is a shorter track too. The fourth track in a way, the title is very suitable with a long crescendo of guitar once more. Then the everlasting discord of all instruments are webbed together. The conflicting frequencies and metallic sounds too are simply staggering to say the least. The monotonous cascade of the black metal sounds fused by climatic bolts of occultic gestures. The darkness is clearly evident with the wickedness vocals & guitar propel us into the next track.

"Scorching The Wings Of Destiny" also opens with a guitar sweep before we are consumed again by the injection of tingling guitar effects. This provides a backdrop of what comes next which is the continuity of black metal momentum, disjointed and experimental. Then a sudden stab in the dark with more quicker tones of soundscape and strangled vocals with guitar playing freely. There is a contrast between the wall of sound and more subtle mysterious sections. We still hear the sophisticated outbursts of noise and complexity just in comparison to the sustained soundscape of guitar & drums.

"The Whorish Arrogance Of Immortals" is another longer and thunderous fusion of black metal and maybe death metal but not so much. Drums lead the fast blast beats on the relevant points but the vocals tremble with fear and anguish. There is a lot to enjoy as well with captivating guitar vibrato, almost suppressing the drums. It's like a better feud but aggressive no doubt with themes of satanic rituals and unholy or anti-christian lyrical content.

"To Salvage The Seed" a 2 minute outro to the album with what we heard throughout, black metal and soundscape effects that give the dark sombre atmosphere. But in the distance, we hear medieval glimmers of harp, it's subtle but noticeable. This album has got some potential, there is no doubt about that. But I feel at times the discord and disjointed feel of the longer tracks are a bit too monotonous, inspiration for this album comes mostly from Greek mythology, chthonic rituals and the underworld too. We can certainly get conflicting emotions from listening and well we now feel that there is more to come, we shall wait and see.Overall: 7