ATROPHOBOS is a Stockholm, Sweden-based Black Metal Band that was formed in 2009. Since then the band hasn't seen any huge changes in their lineup, and from the start the main 3 members of the band have been: Martin Andersson (Guitars), Jonas Ehlin (Lead Guitars), & Mikael Broman (Vocals & Bass); the only member they had that isn't a part of the team anymore is Jocke Wallgren, who was both their studio and live drummer from 2014 until 2015.

Since the beginning the band have gained numerous positive feedback for their debut EP entitled "Arcane Secrets" - which came out in 2010, just a year since their formation - and for their 2014 full-length album entitled "Remnants Of Forgotten Horrors". So, 2 years have passed and the band have released a new 4 track EP entitled "Enthroned In Flesh" on August 26^th (last year) via Triumvirate Records (which is a kick-ass label, by the way, and is known for its various dark and nasty sounding brutal artists, and I can say that its one of my favorites, even mentioning them is an honour).

Back to the EP... It starts off with the title track (which is 3:30 minutes long) and the journey through eternal darkness and space begins. ASTROPHOBOS are a pretty brutal-sounding Black Metal Band - really filthy, raw and brutal. The first song is pure ear and eye candy; the sweet riffs, the melodies, the overall atmosphere, the blast beats, the nasty vocals and guitar work in general are just amazing. The track contains a solo at the first half, but the vocals barely rest and keep hitting pretty hard! While I blasted that work of art I truly enjoyed that horrifying album artwork; gathering details that were clearly inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, and cosmic themes/cosmic horror in general, which is something I myself enjoy, too, as a huge fan of H.P. Lovecraft.

The second song "Tabula Rasa" is even more brutal than the first one (obviously, since it was the introduction to the album). The riffs seem unstoppable, the vocals are filthier and filthier, so filthy the listener has to take a bath after the EP ends. This is some pretty straightforward modern but still pretty raw Black Metal. The Interesting thing is that Sweden is more known for its OSDM scene, yet Black Metal is a thing to be found there too, and when you manage to find a band, it will probably sound like ATROPHOBOS.

 "Blood Libation" is the third track, and it starts off with some classic riffs that are mixed in with epic and long Black Metal screams; you can immediately start to feel the brutal atmosphere and the message the album carries on its musical side. An unexpected thing also happened in this track: I heard Death Metal growls. I was kind of expecting it, I mean, we're talking about Sweden, but it was brilliant. I like it when Black Metal bands experiment and get the most out of their projects. Off to the last track - titled "The Cadaver Monarch" - and the listener is treated to a pleasant surprise; because it's 8:20 minutes long (holy hell!). It starts off with a slow intro and the vocals are a bit silent in the mix (purposefully so), whilst the riffs, meanwhile, are more melodic; the whole atmosphere feels so space-y.

It's awesome that a band like them managed to get so much atmosphere into this short but brutal EP. I can assure you that if you want some pure, original, yet raw and melodic Black Metal in the vein of DISSECTION, NECROPHOBIC or SACRAMENTUM, then this band will surely be your cup of tea. Enjoy the filthiness!