Caelum et Infernum

I reviewed the EP „Back to the Abyss” of Greek black/thrash band Infernal Throne back in 2020. Consisting of four tracks this was a nice introduction into the sound and a great appetizer for things to come. Three years later we finally got the full length debut “Caelum et Infernum”. Consisting of 10 cuts and 50 minutes of playing time this is a ripper of an album. Based on the information available it seems that Infernal Throne has turned into a one-man project driven by Panos Hliopoulos but you won’t be able to notice as the energy level and technical aspects are top notch.

This album is a natural evolution of the previously mentioned EP. The ingredients are very traditional and pure and without any kind of modern elements. Thrash riffs that remind of some of the heavier bands of the spectrum like e.g. In Malice’s Wake are enhanced by a few Gothenburg melodies and classic tremolo attacks akin to the second wave of (Scandinavian) black metal. However, the recipe has been refined until the overall mixture became perfectly seasoned. The music on this album does not feel like a clash of various sub-genres, but like one natural amalgamation of the single pieces. While this album can be viewed as something darker, more malevolent and, ultimately, a little more relating on blackened moods than the EP it still is delivering brutality and ingenuity in equal measure.

From the desolate spell woven by “Wings of Winter”, with its whirling tremolo harmonies and subtle threads of glimmering lead guitar, until the straight yet groovy aggressiveness of the last song’s deluge of rippling blast-beats and pure tonal terror Infernal Throne take you on a heavy ride. The rest of the album follows suit, constantly shifting and changing, with actual, proper riffs finding their way to the surface amongst the assault, coupled with tasteful leads that add a sense of traditional second wave melodies to the whole affair. The drumming is also top (programmed or not), being intense yet following the main patterns in a way that things never get overly chaotic. Not many bands can deliver something so pure and on point while being able to dial back some of the intensity in exchange for a tighter and bouncier song structure whenever needed.

The songwriting is spot on. Most tracks are downright infectious to experience, as the venom works its way through your ears into your brain with astonishing speed, and it’s with each successive song that “Caelum et Infernum” impresses the listener. Thanks to an amazing production job – crisp and punchy, yet clear and diversified - the rhythm section and the guitar perfectly complement each other, and the howling vocals have their place in the mix. Another aspect which deserves praise is the ability of a band to use repetition so effectively for an album that runs for more than 50 minutes. Varying a technique like that across the board takes some serious work and you must give credit to Panos for how he managed to write an album which feels much shorter than it is despite all the tracks being constructed in a very similar vein. Overall, a very entertaining piece of music.