Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

Immediately before one begins their journey, each piece tells a story (where NICK has done his homework; not many people are even aware of the Bronze Age state) focusing on the capital of the Hittite Empire and, in between these two, manages to cover both Greek and Egyptian mythology.

So, without hesitation, hit that play button, and one is welcomed to the opening track, Ruination Of Alahia (which describes the destruction of the eponymous kingdom in ancient Cyprus), which welcomes the listener’s ears with the sound of waves and a creaking of a boat in the wind.

Following behind with the clash of the titan’s aggression, the music kicks in – and takes the listener further on in their journey with the remaining four pieces; the second piece, Tremors Of Poseidon (inspired by the earthquakes believed to have contributed to the demise of the Mycenaean civilization in modern Greece around 1200 BCE.), the third piece  “Ode to Osiris” (inspired by the drought that contributed to a decline of the Egyptian civilization around 1200 BCE) and the closing piece “Bane of Hattusa” (inspired by the destruction of the eponymous Hittite capital around 1200 BCE. A subsequent inscription proclaimed Hattusa’s defeat: “In the night I took it by force; and in its place, I sowed weeds. Whoever becomes king after me and settles Hattusa again, may the Stormgod of Heaven smite him!”) [Evocator]

Simultaneously, the album delivers and provides the listener’s ears with an album that’s much more than death/doom. Still, a musical spectrum ranging from 90s Gothenburg-style melodic death to the second wave of black metal and an impressive heavy and aggressive atmosphere flows through the music’s core while maintaining its doomy roots.

At the same time, Ancient Cataclysm is an in-depth historical theme/concept and a magical musical spectrum to the listener’s ears and mind, consisting of incredible music and instrumentation. Each various composition/characteristic is convenient to place at the right moment. Which is provided by outstanding devilmanship, the production, sound quality, songwriting and composing of the piece are all compelling and astonishing. Thus giving the listener a full album surprise -neither dull nor repetitive -an epic, thrilling and entertaining release that consists of various vocal techniques and artistry.

Ancient Cataclysm vocal technique captures the theme of each piece, which includes mid-range death growls/black metal shrieks, to clean operatic singing blended with distortion and hard-hitting narrative (providing this chilling vibe of Rotting Christ’s The Raven song).

Ancient Cataclysm instrumentation sections consist of impressive guitar work of distortion and dark (dramatic/catchy) melodies which provided this massive wall of sound, mid-paced funeral marches with driving double bass, and multiple tempos/moods. At times the music and atmosphere can be hellish, evil, and times hypnotic. But one thing is for sure, this is not just death-doom or extreme metal – but music that captures the lyrical theme and indeed draws the listener into the music.

A must for any extreme metal fan – not to be missed, an epic and thrilling album but an annihilator of flowing aggression.