SEPTICFLESH is a symphonic death metal band out of Athens, Greece that started out back in 1990. Their style has evolved over the last 30 years and has always considered ahead of the game in terms of their atmospheric and powerful sound. Now the biggest question with this band was if they could pull off their incredibly multi-layered sound to the live scene. This is their latest live album clocking in at over 80 minutes (over 2 discs) in total, entitled "Infernus Sinfonica MMXIX" released on July 31^st, through the Season of Mist label.

The energy that you have in the opening track "Portrait of a Headless Man" is incredibly intense, not just musically, but in the guttural death metal vocals. Everything sounds on point and just blisters through your speakers (or headphones). The added symphonic parts are as amazing here as on the studio albums, and these are not samplings, the band is accompanied by an actual orchestra for this recording. This will get your blood pumping I assure you.

It is followed by the equally energetic "Martyr" (pronounced a bit differently considering the rather heavy accent of the singer), with its acoustic intro that dives into a maelstrom of thunderous grooving guitars and headbanging drum sections.  The heavy portions of the song just resonate through the horn and violin sections in what is an absolute delight of sheer sonic engulfment.

"Prototype" follows in the same footsteps with its rapid-fire drumming patterns, and its progressive guitar riffing. This is the absolute wall of sound that these guys are capable of on their studio material. You are literally hit in the face from all sides as all instruments just deliver a relentless tornado of aggression and malevolence. Add to that some great crowd participation and you have another number to put a smile on your face.

"The Pyramid God" with its pounding bass drums and melancholic violins as the intro transitions perfectly into a nicely distorted guitar riff. While the overall guitar parts are much more laid back on this number, the vocals make up for it with their low-tone intensity. Add a little countdown in there that leads into as the singer calls it "destruction" and you have yet another barnburner. "The Enemy of Truth" is a lot creepier than the other songs but it is also packed with some very destructive blast beats. Honestly, the best way to describe this song is if you are standing in front of a tidal wave and it completely swallows you whole. There is a ton going on at once that keeps your head on a swivel, and the orchestra really shines nicely on this one.

The second disc leaves off where the first one finishes, with some incredibly powerful songs, including the opener "Dogma of Prometheus" which almost sounds like a more violent PARADISE LOST mixed with the evil nature of DIMMU BORGIR and has one of the few more quiet moments on the entire records with some choirs, rolling drums and clean guitar notes. Obviously, the crowd is asked to show its infamous devil horns throughout this one.

While it is definitely not of the violent variety, the introduction to "Dante's Inferno" sounds crystal clear here, with its wonderful acoustic guitars. But again, not sound overly repetitive, the power these guys possess is absolutely unbelievable. Every single element is present, loud and finds its way into the chaos. For me, this track is one of the amazing standouts of this live recording.

Overall, every single song here packs a punch. The production is top-notch, so If you are a fan of this band and have missed the joy of witnessing and experiencing a metal show packed with emotion and overbearing sound, this live album should please you until we hopefully get back to live concerts in the summer of 2021. I never expected this kind of sound and performance in a live setting from a band which such a complex sound. I am sure you will be as surprised and pleasantly entertained by this 80-minute journey into their discography. And if you have not listened to the band before, this is a great introduction as well!