Lykhaeon – Review
When I first received a copy of Lykhaeon “Ominous Eradication of Anguished Souls” it was clear the music was going to be as dark as the artwork. In fact, I spent the duration of my first listen and more trying to establish what the text actually said.
Don’t be fooled by the picture below, the EP’s artwork is black on black and then some. That said, upon the realisation this was just 2 epic tracks of evil noise, I was more than happy.
“Lykhaeon is the sonic exploration of forgotten, ancient horrors. Kept sealed and clamouring to be unearthed, at long last set free”. Or at least that’s how the band describe themselves and to be fair, it’s a good an explanation as any.
Imagine if black metal came across some warped prog rock albums in the depths of hell, via the Swiss Alps. Then you can start to uncover what Zurich’s Lykhaeon may sound like. Both tracks are similar in arrangement, atmospheric soundscapes brought together by demonic screams and the rumbles of Satan’s stomach.
Lykhaeon “Ominous Eradication of Anguished Souls”
While you may think you’re getting some time to reflect after the first 4 minutes of “Chthonios I“ it continues to unnerve the senses. The track cascades into slower doom laden guitars, with the odd crash of a symbol here and there. Then the distant screams transcend into spoken word samples, by which point we’re still only 7 minutes into the 12-minute masterpiece.
The next 5 are then just pure atmospherics, your ears left questioning what real music is and your soul has been torn to threads. I love it.
As for “Chthonios II”, don’t expect any sympathy there either. It starts off heavier and faster than where track 1 finished. Albeit every bit as chaotic, disturbing and just as long. The stuff of nightmares. Vocalist “K” is credited with “Throat & Doom” and as far as I know, he could be sacrificing an oversized goat behind the mixing desk.
Then there are the other two members of Lykhaeon, both with equally silly roles, S (“Piercing Summoning”) and I (“Assault”). It’s no wonder there’s no conventional way of describing what each member brings to the band. What I do know though, is they’ve certainly achieved a black metal album that would make churches self-combust. I probably shouldn’t, but I still love it.
The whole experience of Lykhaeon “Ominous Eradication of Anguished Souls” ends with narration in a foreign tongue and chiming bells as if to ward off evil spirits. Even then things continue to become possessed… or it could just be voices in my head. Although, if this was on vinyl, all I know is I’d be scared to play it backwards.
Lykhaeon “Ominous Eradication of Anguished Souls” Out Now
If you wish to purchase a copy, it is available through the Polish-based label Godz Ov War.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_W0Z8w23qE
