(Here is DGR‘s evocative review of a new album released through Agonia Records in late March by the Greek black metal band Lucifer’s Child.)

The myths of black metal cast their subjects in many forms – conjurers, infernal priests, sorcerers, wizards, a whole barrel full of nihilistic entities. The evolution of the black metal show into ritualistic form has been an interesting – if obvious – evolution for a genre in which theatricality can be an important aspect. Over the years we’ve even archived many regional splits in the overall style, which has also made for fascinating subject matter to delve into on its own.

Exploring the anthopological and cultural aspects of the music is sometimes more interesting than the abyssal ablutions being dispensed for those who are seeking it. The genre has become almost synonymous with the cold and dense forests of a Scandinavian north, its ritualistic aspects becoming syncretic with Luciferian worship, magickal exploration, and melodramatic movement, to an effect that obviously speaks to so many people around the world – sometimes in reaction to an overbearing religious aspect of their daily cultural lives.

Where the regional splits have arisen is the equally interesting subject matter to speak of, because one of the more well-known yet still underrated ones is the black metal scene born out of Greece and its hellenic purveyors. Continue reading »