A PHENOMENAL debut, one of the best metal albums of the year – a true MASTERPIECE. Don’t waste a moment; get your copy NOW!
The review could end here, to be honest. But there’s so much more to say, so let’s dive in without further ado.
“Iriath” is a concept album about an exciting, dark fantasy saga, an epic journey with no turning back.
Is that enough?
Certainly not. We’ve heard plenty of these over the past few years, for better or worse. What may set this album apart lyrically, is its ingenious fusion of sci-fi and sword & sorcery themes, drawn from partially published original fiction that spans multiple levels and frames of reference.
That’s undeniably intriguing, but still, perhaps not entirely convincing.
Musically, ARYSITHIAN BLADE’s debut balances the epic element with well-crafted lyricism and multi-faceted melodicism, rather than relying solely on fierceness and power. It exudes a special kind of bravery, one that reflects the vigor of a cultured soul – a philosophy of devotion to life’s purpose, inspiration, and consciousness, not just instinct and drive.
Starting to get interesting, isn’t it?
Believe me, this album is nothing but premium quality metal stuff! Listening to it made me realize how much I missed the 90s atmosphere – the warm sound of well-crafted, unpolished, but not overly raw metal, a sound perfected by the performance of the group, not by technical or artificial enhancements. Well, “Iriath” represents an ABSOLUTE return to that sound.
Even more intriguing now?
What if I told you that this album also combines the best epic heavy elements with a distinct prog-folk character—subtle yet unmistakable—following in the footsteps of great US legends of the genre while being infused with Greek musical tradition and a 70s quality flavor. Would you then be interested? You’d better be! Because we are indeed dealing with something unique here!
I won’t mince words: from Greece and Cyprus to Canada and Sweden, and from the USA to Germany, many great records have been recently released in the epic metal realm; many others have fallen far short of expectations and the big-mouthed promo texts but that’s another matter. So, what essential difference can yet another Greek band make when we’ve already heard some exquisite releases from all around the world that truly stood out?
I think I know: in this literally unique debut, ARYSITHIAN BLADE has raised the banner and charged into battle, TRULY knowing the Secret of Steel.
Do my words sound hollow, meaningless?
Only to those who cannot fathom the greatness of TRUE and UNRESTRICTED EXPRESSION gifted by the eternal source called the Underground, the invincible tide that has elevated all that is truly precious, innermost, hidden, and visceral. This is the inspiring power of those few romantics who care only for the daring dreaming souls who will identify with them, become one with them, and inseparably write a story like no other – one that you won’t read anywhere, ever, unless you search deeply within yourself and beyond what you initially see.
Because, ultimately, with “Iriath”, you’ll understand that whoever wields the ARYSITHIAN BLADE looks you straight in the eye without baring teeth. They don’t seek to impose themselves or instill fear. They possess greatness and wisdom, knowledge so profound that with just one look, it turns your whole being upside down, reflecting feelings you didn’t even know existed in your soul. And in the end, the victory is all yours; the listener stands before a work of unique, great, truly CLASSIC value – a work that leads to the real elevation of the soul!
“Iriath” has no equal, though it bears several fine influences.
The masterful lyricism of WARLORD and the inimitable sophistication of the early FATES WARNING built the foundations of the album, upon which the melancholy of WISHBONE ASH, the intelligence of RUSH and CAMEL, and the magic of DIO-era BLACK SABBATH were brilliantly raised. The teachings of the great Yannis Spathas (SOCRATES DRANK THE CONIUM), the imaginative Jimmy Selalmazidis (SARISSA), and the visionary Uli Jon Roth (SCORPIONS, ELECTRIC SUN) are present throughout the album. Moreover, Greek 60’s nouvelle vague and traditional Greek music, together with MANOS CHATZIDAKIS works are also evident, as are the old glories of IRON MAIDEN, along with the legacy of the Viking-era BATHORY and the dark heritage of CIRITH UNGOL. All these influences are intertwined into a unique sonic palette that doesn’t merely evoke old memories but instead transforms them into a fresh, unique soundscape. Everything we loved from earnest, younger bands, the very best of like GATEKEEPER, ETERNAL CHAMPION, SMOULDER, BLACK SWORD THUNDER ATTACK and WRITHEN HILT, reverberates in the flow of “Iriath”.
Rarely, VERY rarely, do 36 minutes of music carry such depth and weight of artistry.
From the start, ARYSITHIAN BLADE grabs you and takes you where they want – into their own parallel world. There’s no pompous introduction, no symphonic keys or fanfare. Here, we’re dealing with the mystique of a simple, bone-chilling guitar prelude and an unwavering, highly expressive bass line from Petros Vasiliadis (AFTERIMAGE, PROTEAN SHIELD), paired with the weeping guitar of Yiannis Aktypis (PROTEAN SHIELD). The opening track really sets the tone for the entire album – a HAUNTING epic heavy metal sound that is rare not only in the Greek scene but also globally.
“Iriath” is a slow-moving, painfully melodic song of lyrical perfection that carries drama and heroism in proportions that DEFINE the term EPIC MUSIC! The voice of Christos Papadakis (AFTERIMAGE, OMINOUS SKY), with its unique blend of the great Geddy Lee (RUSH) vocals and the early US prog/power acts à la John Arch style (ex-FATES WARNING, ARCH/MATEOS), is simply PERFECT for what ARYSITHIAN BLADE delivers!
“Riders of Nimir” follows, rhythmic and uplifting. And there, after all the elaborate storm of melody, a minute and a half before the end, Yiannis Aktypis shows us what a guitar recital truly means.
“Crescent of the Two Moons” takes over in the same vein, drawing us further into the album’s amazing story, while the music continues to impress.
Next up is “Dragonsword”, the song for the album’s first lyrical video; a galloping battle anthem, harsh and sharp as its name suggests – another great song, right in the middle of the tracklist. And that’s when I asked myself: WHAT ELSE can come next?
“Temples of Obsidian Moonlight” answers that question. Christos Papadakis’ tenor voice lowers sensually for this acoustic ballad that serves as the most fitting prologue to the ABSOLUTE EPIC that follows. Behold, the mighty “Arysithian Blade”, where once again, musicianship and inspiration meet for the best outcome possible. It’s the plain and simple truth, song after song, the band delivers a stellar performance in compositions that will remain memorable for all time!
Am I exaggerating?
Listening to “Crystal of Eaaren Zynn” that comes next you will know that I am NOT—NOT AT ALL! This is a fast, clever song with a clear prog influence, which I personally loved, standing as further proof of the album’s rare quality and distinctive identity.
But now, the time for the end has arrived.
The BIG moment.
Time for the curtain to fall with the STUNNING “In the Name of Eseth”, one of those monumental epic doom tracks that will forever stand as the epitome of the genre! From now on, THIS will be the path for every fallen hero, the stern salute to every brave soul who stood above their fate, sealing it with their sacrifice. Robert Lowe (SOLITUDE AETURNUS, ex-CANDLEMASS) can rest assured knowing that his lamentations have now found a worthy successor, and the late Bill Tsamis (WARLORD, LORDIAN GUARD) is surely smiling down from Heaven, hearing this epilogue…
“Away from the misty mountains
Away from the crimson seas
We ride the skies on our chariots
We carry the Nine Dragon seals
We are blessed by the One-Eye
Our fate is written in steel
We’re striking over the mountains
Under the final command
In the Name of the One
In the name of Eseth
To the Eternal Death we ride…”
Before closing, I need to say hats off to Anastasios Karapapazoglou for his amazing artwork – yes, the one known from his participation in NEMESIS, ELWING, CIRCLE’S LINE and WINDFALL. The choice of such an album cover in the times of AI cheapness says a lot; I mean, artists MUST stand up for each other, right?
Kudos also to the experienced Kostas Scandalis for the mastering, which highlights the unique character of this very special album.
“Iriath” will be released by Steel Gallery Records on December 6th on CD.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order the CD here.
