THELEMITE have been part of the metal scene for over 15 years now. After their debut “Slave to Desire” (Steel Gallery, 2013), a long eight-year silence followed—until 2021’s “Thelemism”, which not only marked their new partnership with Sleaszy Rider Records but also a revamped lineup that has remained unchanged since. With that, a newfound consistency in their output emerged: two more full-length albums within just four years.
Enter “Powers of Darkness”—their fourth release and a grandiose concept record that cements Thelemite’s place in contemporary metal storytelling.
The album’s title is a direct reference to “Mörkrets Makter”, a 1899 Swedish adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This obscure version downplays the vampiric elements and instead reimagines the Count as the leader of a sinister sect, drawing from social Darwinism and early 20th-century esotericism—a time when ideological movements and modern thought were questioning the status quo of religion and society alike.
Yiannis Manopoulos, the mastermind behind Thelemite—composer, lyricist, and frontman—shared this about the album’s concept:
“When I was looking for the concept name for our new record, the combination of this edition, which combines Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, with the Darwinism of our previous “Survival of the Fittest”, but also the occult, created the magic that connects our two releases thematically, filling me with inspiration but also the feeling that everything happens for a reason, and that Crowley, our godfather, is watching us from somewhere that I can’t explain at the moment and is rubbing his hands!”
Musically, “Powers of Darkness” is by far THELEMITE’s most mature and refined release. While their debut flirted with prog textures, those gradually faded, giving way to a more focused and solid identity from “Thelemism” onward.
Their 2023 album “Survival of the Fittest” was a breakout moment, quickly selling out and earning praise from fans for its bold revival of classic ’80s metal. It laid the groundwork for a follow-up that dares even more—and “Powers of Darkness” delivers just that.
THELEMITE remain fiercely committed to honoring the giants of heavy metal, but they do it on their own terms. Their sound is unmistakably modern, with a unique blend of influences forged into a distinctive and balanced identity.
Yiannis Manopoulos (guitars, vocals) continues to lead an elite line-up: Renos Lalioutis (THE SILENT WEDDING) on drums, Nikos Michalakakos (SPITFIRE, BLIND JUSTICE, DARK NIGHTMARE, HEART ATTACK, RAGEN HEART) on bass, and Zack Kotsikis (BATTLEROAR) on guitars.
Their signature mix is still here in full force—smartly woven hard rock à la EUROPE, neoclassical flair in the vein of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, the anthemic California sound of WASP, DOKKEN, and MEAT LOAF, and the timeless grit of JUDAS PRIEST, DIO, and OZZY. It all coalesces more seamlessly than ever before.
There’s a strong theatrical streak throughout—ALICE COOPER and SAVATAGE leave clear fingerprints—and melodic power metal shines, with nods to FIFTH ANGEL and CRIMSON GLORY enhancing the compositions.
The album opens with the epic “Priest of Princes”, full of dark grandeur reminiscent of RAINBOW’s finest moments with Ronnie James Dio at the helm.
“Renfield” follows, one of the standout tracks—haunting and intense, evoking both King Diamond and Jon Oliva. Manopoulos’ performance is simply phenomenal here.
Next up, “God’s Madman” brings heavy groove and swagger. Imagine Alice Cooper jamming with Billy Corgan—yes, the SMASHING PUMPKINS frontman!—and you’re getting close to this track’s bizarre brilliance.
Then comes “Murder”, an ode steeped in SAVATAGE’s dramatic storytelling tradition. Three songs in, and it’s clear: “Powers of Darkness” is THELEMITE’s finest hour to date.
“Waiting for the Night”, the album’s first single, feels like pure Ozzy but didn’t strike me as one of the stronger moments overall.
Things pick up again with “Learning the Hard Way”, a solid hard rocker that flows naturally into “Falling out of Love”. These two tracks, paired with the emotionally charged “Nail it to My Heart”—a moving tribute to WASP—form a powerful melodic trilogy that leads us toward the album’s climax.
Before the curtain falls, we get “Clouds Without Water”—a personal favorite. It’s rich in orchestration, blending guitar and keys with a symphonic flair and spine-chilling vocals that elevate the song’s eerie atmosphere.
The closer, “Born in the Dark”, is another SAVATAGE-inspired piece—rhythmic and intricate, a fitting conclusion to this gothic metal tale.
What truly impressed me is the album’s cohesion. Despite the variety in tone and style, “Powers of Darkness” flows like a singular musical narrative. It sparks countless associations—just like its titular antihero, Count Dracula—but it never strays from its purpose: to pursue an eternal, perfect union of sound and story. And it succeeds.
From catchy choruses and shifting riffs to emotional peaks and stylistic range—from hard rock and classic heavy metal to symphonic power and progressive nuances—each of the ten tracks is a chapter in an epic tale. It’s an album that satisfies both nostalgic cravings and the desire for something fresh, all delivered with top-tier musicianship.
The artwork once again comes courtesy of Argentine artist Rodrigo A. Gudiña of Core76 Studio.
Somewhere between modern-day Athens and the shadowy lands of Transylvania and Wallachia, “Powers of Darkness” prepares to land in our hands.
Are you ready to accept the gift of immortality?
“Powers of Darkness” will be released on May 9th by Sleaszy Rider Records, on both CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order both the CD and the LP here.
