After many years of silence, German dark metallers Agathodaimon make a triumphant comeback with the seventh studio album “The Seven” bound to please their faithful acolytes with a charismatic blend of sheer brutality and melodic elegance.
The aggressive album opener “La Haine” showcases a primordial blackened formula through the vitriolic mix of ravenous riffage and unrestrained drums yet the polished guitar melodies accompanied by soulful clean vocals instantly evoke an overwhelming melancholia.
“Wolf Within” immediately unleashes a solid series of groovy blackened dynamics easily enhanced by the hellish growls while the sophisticated atmospheric textures ultimately lead to a cathartic melodic momentum.
Featuring a malevolent vocal performance by former vocalist Romanian Vlad Dracul, “Mother of all Gods” offers a rather ominous approach as the relentless guitar riffs amplify a savage black metal inspiration while the lavish symphonic arrangements lead to softer poetic passages.
Within the darkened sonic realm of “In my Dreams (Part 2 – In Bitterness)” the rhythmic section engages in faster obscure dynamics yet the passionate clean vocals and the mournful guitar melodies emphasize a contemplative mood.
Drenched in darkness “Kyrie / Gloria” continues to rely on the successful combo of frostbitten rhythmic blasts and sorrowful melodic guitar progressions enriched by the solemn baritone vocal delivery and the opulent orchestrations.
The majestic final track “The Divine” highlights the role of the intricate symphonic tapestries and the poignant piano harmonies as everything becomes increasingly darker due to the crestfallen guitar tonalities that often morph into a harsh blackened rampage.
Symbolizing a true rebirth “The Seven” naturally shifts from a ferocious rhythmic assault to an fascinating dramatic depth as Agathodaimon look forward proudly manifesting an ex novo creative force.