From their EPK, “Polish black metal icons PATRIARKH return with clear fresh visions as they unveil their new concept album ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ, out on January 3, 2025. The Napalm Records debut touts eight new sprawling compositions that immerse the listener in the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, a Polish peasant from the band's home area of Podlasie, as he experiences epiphanies, seeing himself as the prophet Elijah, and becoming the reluctant leader of a fringe sect of the Polish Eastern Orthodox church, much to the disdain of the established clergy.” The album has eight songs, each of them is titled the same, with the exception of the roman numeral that distinguishes them.

“I” is a short mood-setter, and it paints a mysterious picture of what is to come, with acoustic guitars, and backing choirs. “II” begins with solemn tones and clean vocals that rise to harsh vocals and a thicker sound, and then it retreats once again. This push and pull creates a dynamic sound, and the swell at the end is dripping with heavy emotion. “III” has a weighted bottom end, but the harmonized vocals keep the melody strong. The backing vocals add a layer of mystery to the sound. It’s almost as if the band doesn’t want to reveal everything to the listener. “IV” begins with another firm sound in the guitars, and the backing vocals hang in the air like a mist, or a dream. The band is very good at balancing aggression with melody.

“V” begins with the striking of church bells, and spoken words, leading to a veritable mudslide of deep and contentious Black Metal. Drums and harsh vocals rage, and cleans provide just a small measure of reprieve. This song is as angry as they come, yet melody radiates from the chorus. “VI” is scaled down, and it opens up the landscape with tender, sober melodies. I have no idea what they are singing about, but it is highly emotionally charged. “VII” begins with more clean vocals, but it transitions to anger like a storm that is carried over the mountain with hasty winds. Before you know it, its full wrath is upon you. “VIII” closes the album, with more mystery. It has sweeping arrangements, and there is a metric ton of weight at the bottom.

This was an excellent album, and it combined the fierceness of Black Metal with a lot of melody, especially in the vocals. The chord structures were complex, and you can tell this is a veteran band, yet they melded these arrangements together in a way that made them accessible to the listener.