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Under the Five-Pointed star: A tribute to Septicflesh

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Septicflesh were brought to life under the astral Athenian skies of Spring 1990 in order to create sophisticated, well-structured, part symphonic – part extreme metal music for the masses so to finally become one of the most beloved groups of the Hellenic Metal forces. Now, as of 2018, Septicflesh have their own international audiences in every corner upon the earth.

Mystic Places of Dawn – 1994

After the creation of two demos, “Forgotten Path” and “Morpheus awakes”, along with an EP called “Temple Of The Lost Race”, Septicflesh’s firstborn child, “Mystic Places Of Dawn” was released via Holy recods in 1994. Atmospheric death metal with fine synthesizers and doom passages, strongly influenced by the English doom/gothic metal scene of the early ’90s, this album was the spark that marked the birth of the monstrously massive legion called Septicflesh. A favorite among the best for sure.

Esoptron – 1995

One year later, came their second creation, “Esoptron”via Holy Records as well. “Esoptron” is the ancient greek word for “mirror”. Another musical piece of art, made of melancholy, darkness and a slight glance of ancient, gothic aura. All prime Septicflesh releases follow this pattern, to cut things short. Apart from epic tracks such as “Ice Castle” and “Narcissism”, there are also some short, instrumental tracks that create an atmosphere of doom and autumn.

 

Ophidian Wheel – 1997

Another horrifyingly theatrical masteripiece under the aegies of the Septicflesh team is “Ophidian Wheel” which is more than a satisfying album by all means. It could be easily used as a score to some horror movie. The amazing soprano, female vocals by Natalie R. and the majestic male vocals by Sotiris Vayenas balance everything perfectly. Fairly an acoustical spectacle. This was also the first time the band started focusing, apart from all death metal elements, to some post-rock and gothic spices. Songs such as “Phallic Litanies” and “Geometry in static” are with no doubt some two “undiscovered” gems.

A Fallen Temple – 1998

This album is divided in three parts; The New Order, Testimonial and End Of The Circle. The first part is the most epic one, since the other two include some bonus tracks from previous releases. After seven years, this album was marked as the first Septicflesh album to include a human drummer instead of a drum machine. “Underworld – Act I” is one of the best ones, while the dark version of “The Eldest Cosmonaut” features Spiros singing Sotiris’ parts, makes it a little more interesting. Since the album was out in 1998, an era where symphonic, gothic music was at its dawn, Septicflesh couldn’t have missed the opportunity to create such an album.

Revolution DNA – 1999

It was 1999 when the band’s fans had been accusing them of trying to get mainstream. As mentioned before, the gothic rock elements started having a starring role into the Septicflesh releases and since it was a time when the genre was at its peaks, it was quite obvious that the result would be as it was. This time the gothic influences are stronger than ever, since the death rock passages are on most parts of the Revolution DNA album, along with never heard before industrial elements. I don’t know how fond of this release are the band’s oldschool fans, I surely am.

Sumerian Daemons – 2003

Sumerian Daemons came four years later and it’s their last album before their brief disbanding in 2004. There’a s bigger amount of indistrual passages here and there, along with whisper-like vocals. Plus, it includes some lines from the well-known movie “Evil Dead II” on the “Unbeliever” track. The cover artwork is a masterpiece. It was actually created by a Greek FX team, under the orders of Spiros. Out via Hammerheart records.

Communion – 2008

In 2007, the band reunites and is ready to unveil their 7th studio effort (and their best one so far), under the Seasons Of Mist records. It’s title, Communion. Plus, it is the band’s first release after their name change from Septic Flesh to Septicflesh. Both symphonic and black elements appear in a bigger amount than before, under the harmonical melodies of the Prague Philharmonical Orchestra. “Annubis” and “Persepolis” are two of the best live songs of the band, while “Sangreal” despite being a little obscure in contrast to the rest, is one of the most favorable songs of the album for many.

The Great Mass – 2011

After their rebirth with “Communion”, which found them in a great shape, Septicflesh released “The Great Mass” in 2011. Also a (fairly) high praised record by both press and fans, while the band embarked on a greek “Great Mass Tour” on that year, spreading their monumental music all over Greece. Septicflesh’s career reached its highest peek and the band was stronger than ever. “The Vampire From Nazareth” (and the first single off the record) gained massive popularity.

Titan – 2014

2014 A.D marks the release of an also highly acclaimed disc, Titan, however a little less favorable than its two predecessors. Titan includes some great tracks and it’s a pity that has remained quite silent because of “Communion” and “Great Mass”. “War In Heaven” and “Confessions of a serial killer” are a perfect sum up of Titan’s sound. People have been considering it quite dull. The band’s experimentation progress has reached its limit.

Codex Omega – 2017

Half a year ago, Codex Omega was unleashed and the audiences were torn, since it has caused quite a controversy. The fans have been accusing the band for lack of inspiration, calling it a “Titan” rip-off, while others have embraced it warmly because of its black metal, “Dimmu Borgir meets Behemoth” elements. It’s up to you, since the oldschool fans are nostalgic over their first releases; some think that the band should have ended right after Sumerian Daemons and some others love to experience newer and fewer musical experiments.


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