Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

As the listener gently taps the play button, the first piece, Indroduzione, gently embraces them with a pure and melodious guitar introduction, setting the stage for the journey ahead. It emanates a warm and inviting feeling, gradually building up to the second piece, Nothing at All, and the subsequent seven pieces, creating an immersive musical experience.

So, Is Theme and Variations a concept album, then? Maybe! There isn’t a story that unfolds through the songs, but there’s a common, underlying lyrical theme which reminds of that same “Theme and Variations” structure that permeates the instrumental side of the album. And the “Theme” cannot be but one: the filth in today’s society. Unlike their first album, which was more focused on inner turmoil, the band has moved “outwards” in their lyrical approach: this time, the spotlight’s been turned to the environment, greed, modern slavery, brainwashing, and other contemporary issues.

As I am writing this and listening to their second release, I have the impression that it resembles their debut release in terms of raw, fast, old-school, and technical aspects. However, the Theme and Variations have a more robust and heavier feel. And what more could you ask for? A band that goes from strength to strength?

Undoubtedly, Theme and Variations offers a gripping experience with their nine songs. (with the information I received) “The album can be considered as one song divided into nine separate tracks.” In just under thirty minutes, the listener is treated to a compelling blend of old-school thrash/punk metal, featuring technical sections that provide a contrast to the aggressive sound. Notably, the opening piece and the fifth piece, Interludio, serve as tranquil interludes before the storm, showcasing impressive guitar virtuoso instrumentals.

The Healing Process performances and devilmanship of their instrumental and music composition showcase an execution of this fruit of art within Theme and Variations. Within the thirty minutes of play, each song is different with varying tones, moods, and tempos that keep the listeners engaged. Again, the guitar work is exceptional, comprising mouth-watering dirty, raw and aggressive-barb-wire riffage with exciting variations and changes of rhythm, as well as short and sharp virtuoso solos that keep the energy levels high. The album guitar section is also enriched by an honourable guest appearance: Paulius Navickas, from the Lithuanian Thrash band Phrenetix, offers a fruit of art-old-school solo on the sixth piece. The drums are thunderous and brutal, driving the music and rattling the foundation of the music, like some hurricane storm across the open ocean. The vocals are intentionally kept raw and unpolished, mirroring the band’s debut release.

The Healing Process production deserves additional praise for its solid and flawless execution, despite a modest budget and all-home made. The album’s foundation remains raw and unpolished, akin to a lost and found relic from the era of 80s thrash. The Theme and Variations exhibit a robust understanding of composition, showcasing strong instrumentation and delivering compelling content for their audience. Pay close attention to the transition between the opening and fifth pieces, as each song seamlessly fades or bleeds into the next.

Get ready for an electrifying experience with eight songs packed into twenty-seven minutes of pure adrenaline. This album will keep you hooked, head-banging, air-guitar, and fist-pumping until you can’t keep up any more. What more could you possibly ask for?