ALBUM REVIEW: Glorification Under The Latin Moon – Varathron

There is something wonderfully nostalgic, particularly in these dark and unprecedented times, about live albums. They serve as time capsules for often incredible experiences and allow us to relive them, even if it is only for a couple of hours at a time. Forefathers of Hellenic black metal VARATHRON clearly appreciate this, as to celebrate their 30th anniversary, they have chosen to release Glorification Under The Latin Moon, A recording of the final show of their 30 Years of Darkness Tour, taken in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

It takes real effort to do black metal effectively at a slower pace, as many bands tend to rely on the crutch of cranking everything up into lightning speed, as it can do a lot of heavy lifting for largely basic songs, but that is categorically not the case here. One thing they have clearly learned in their 30 year history is masterful song writing. They keep their fierce brand of dark and melodic metal fresh and varied throughout, careening wildly from excellent melodic passages to downright chilling atmosphere with multiple pit stops taken at murderous blastbeats and faster segments.

There are some truly notable examples of this present, such as the convulsing grandeur of tracks such as Ouroborous Dweller or Tenebrous, which layer some captivating lead lines over complimentary riffing and tight drumwork. This opulent formula is VARATHRON‘s hallmark and they utilise it to utterly devastating effect, even managing to coax some singalong moments from their audience. It is also worth mentioning that for a live album, the mix is very solid. Few, if any details are lost or muddied and it is fairly easy to forget (aside from the aforementioned participation) there is a crowd present at all.

The setlist is a true celebration of the history of VARATHRON. They have plucked classics ranging from their entire 30-year career, culminating in the performance of the entirety of 1993’s His Majesty At The Swamp. This is a real crowning jewel and introduces a sense that this album is truly a celebration, both of the band’s history and the fans who have supported them throughout this period. The lucky few who were present definitely appreciated this move and so will any fan; potential, lifelong or anywhere in between, who dains to listen to the record.

Atmospherically the album is excellent. The listener becomes easily drawn in to the haunting melodies of the music and will often feel as though a strange and terrible ritual is being performed before their very eyes. At times it manages to make an August evening in Brazil feel like an ice-rimed night atop some forgotten savage mountain. Best of all, it achieves this without feeling thin or hollow, as all the concepts are fully fleshed out and rely simply on the quality of VARATHRON‘s knack for building some of the best and most unique black metal available.

Judging by the quality on display on this recording of one violent night in Sao Paolo, The Greek overlords show no sign of slowing down or giving in. They have chosen to celebrate their thirtieth anniversary by demonstrating that they have already built some of the most solid and original music that the black metal genre can boast. However, it also presents itself as a proclamation of intent. If the passion that is present on this record remains with them into the future, then there is no telling the aural destruction they could yet unleash upon the world.

Rating: 9/10

Glorification Under The Latin Moon is out now via Agonia Records.

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