When the Second Wave of Black Metal (SWOBM, and it's the last time I'll write it) came from the depths of underground, many fans had the wrong idea about its rebirth: simultaneously, Greece, Norway and Sweden became the birthplaces for a new generation for bands of this genre. Obviously, each country breeds a School, and each School has its unique features. ROTTING CHRIST is the pioneer of the fusion of sad and darkened melodies with the aggressive outfit of Black Metal. Then bands as NECROMANTIA, VARATHRON and many others came. And to carry on the inheritance of Hellenic Black Metal, we have ACHERONTAS coming with "Faustian Ethos", their seventh and latest release.

We can feel in their music the deeper "ethos" of Greek Black Metal, but as well we can hear their personality pulses on some influences from Norwegian and Swedish Black Metal schools. But they prefer only their guitars to create those funereal melodies, along with a deeper and interpretative vocal work (in a way similar to the one of Attila Csihar). And let me tell you: if you miss the past, ACHERONTAS is the band you're looking for, because their insight takes you to the roots of Greek Black Metal, but without sounding outdated or moldy.

"Faustian Ethos" was mixed and mastered by George Emmanuel (from LUCIFER'S CHILD and ROTTING CHRIST), and his work created a brutal and crude sound quality, as those earlier works from 90s Black Metal bands. But this raw sound gives the album the necessary vibe, a soul and identity, and those that are into Black Metal will understand that this is the way it fits on such musical work. Eight excellent songs are presented on "Faustian Ethos", but the excellent morbid and darkened melodies of "Τhe Fall of the First Pillar" (wonderful guitars, indeed, along with very good vocals), the sinister harmonies of "Sorcery and the Apeiron", the excellent slow tempos and funereal atmosphere of "Aeonic Alchemy (Act I)" and "Faustian Ethos", and the morbid sad features that can be found on "Decline of the West (O Ιερεας και ο Ταφος)" and "Vita Nuova" are moments that all Black Metal fans must hear.

Be seduced by ACHERONTAS, and let the darkened embrace of "Faustian Ethos" take you to a time when Black Metal was a cult for those who could understand its deeper meaning...