Varathron
His Majesty at the Swamp

"His Majesty at the Swamp" showcases originality right from the title compared to the conventional Nordic black scene, particularly the Scandinavian: we are not facing triumphant and gaudy satanism or icy guitar slashes, but rather a sound that transports the listener into the mud of a swamp where one sinks slowly, almost without noticing. One truly smells sulfur in the compositions of Varathron, who, along with Rotting Christ, Septic Flesh, and Necromantia, are leading figures of the Greek black scene, an alternative and complementary counterpart to the contemporary Nordic enclave. Heavily influenced by Black Sabbath and subsequent doom production, a genre much appreciated in the Hellenic peninsula, the production of our artists, fully evident in "His Majesty...", is recognizable by the atmospheric and hypnotic components of the tracks; no screaming or brutal violence, just a slow and dusky pace, where Morbid Angel and Saint Vitus make an appearance, with vocals having occult vibrations that make the Greek combo unique and perfectly recognizable. Contributing to this is a production that, while surely not up to the historical and compositional value of the platter, nonetheless highlights its muddy and Lovecraftian component. If Nordic-style black metal appears dominated by the blast beat and a sharper sound, then Greek black metal is more melodic and linked to the heavy component. Varathron skillfully blend different elements, such as an unusual yet expressive drum machine and song structures supported by cadenced and wicked riffs, making the album an essential step for those who wish to approach a "Mediterranean" black that is completely "other" compared to the admittedly good, but often "obvious," Scandinavian frozen soup.