Hecate Enthroned are certainly one of the UK underground’s longest-running bands that, despite several line-up changes through the years, have always followed a blackened gothic sonic formula that once again comes to life on the new release “Embrace Of The Godless Aeon”.
The vampyric mood of “Revelations In Autumn Flame” is palpable through the super fast waves of blackened majesty courtesy of an infectious series of tight guitar riffs and hellish vocals constantly surrounded by refined gloomy keyboards arrangements that become essential within such nightmarish sonic vision.
“Temples That Breathe” feels like an arcane ritual as tormented atmospheres enrich the blackened fury of the guitars and drums while the crepuscular melodies are further enhanced by the lush symphonic gothic arrangements.
“Goddess Of Dark Misfits” begins with the profound melancholy of piano melodies that naturally accompany the darkly elegant vocals performed by guest vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva and the consequent seductive gothic splendor becomes the highlight of the track.
Following a slower dramatic rhythm “Whispers Of The Mountain Ossuary” tends to focus on tenebrous atmospheres and graceful melodic textures with a fashionable gothic style until harsh guitar riffs confidently unleash cold blackened tonalities.
The epic lengthy final track “Erebus And Terror” begins like a funeral march that soon evolves into an opulent ode to darkness focusing mainly on gothic elements such as the immense gloom fully expressed by melodic guitars, dreamy piano, solemn symphonic orchestrations and Sarah’s fascinating operatic vocal harmonies.
The composition of “Embrace Of The Godless Aeon” might not be considered incredibly innovative nevertheless we can all agree that on this album Hecate Enthroned successfully deliver a delightful overdose of sultry gothic nuances that feel like a decadent soundtrack for cold winter nights.