What initially began as a project for George Emmanuel (ex-Rotting Christ) and Stathis Ridis (ex-Nightfall) has since evolved into a true institution within the Greek Black Metal scene—one that can easily stand alongside the greats of the genre. With each release, the band has only strengthened its reputation, refining their distinctive take on the Greek Black Metal sound.
Their last full-length album, The Order, was released back in 2018 and made a strong impression on me at the time. Now, after a long wait, they return with a new record, though this time without Stathis Ridis, who has since departed from the band. However, his absence does nothing to diminish the impact of this album. Once again, they unleash a powerful storm of riffs, atmosphere, and unrelenting intensity, staying true to the essence of Greek Black Metal.
There is no time wasted on intros—opener Antichrist strikes like a fist to the eardrum from the very first second, setting the tone with relentless energy. The track charges forward, enhanced by eerie keyboards and orchestral samples that add an extra layer of grandeur. The following song, As Bestas, leans heavily into the Rotting Christ influence, with those unmistakable guitar riffs that define the Greek Black Metal sound. It marches steadily, evoking vast open landscapes and the haunting, mythic atmosphere of the Greek hinterland.
From the very beginning, this album makes one thing clear: the band is here to dominate, delivering a sound that is both ferocious and undeniably Greek.
The pace accelerates with The Serpent and The Rod, a relentless assault driven by furious blast beats, high-pitched tremolo riffs, and razor-sharp solos, all elevated by the commanding presence of Marios Dupont’s powerful vocals. The band fires on all cylinders, seamlessly blending aggression with melody, proving once again that their grasp of the Greek Black Metal sound is second nature.
As the album progresses, Ichor takes things in a more epic and dramatic direction. The intensity remains, but there’s a shift towards atmosphere, as acoustic guitars make a brief but striking appearance, adding an almost ceremonial feel. In the background, haunting choral chants reminiscent of Bathory give the track a mythic grandeur, transporting the listener to an ancient and ritualistic soundscape. It’s a moment of eerie beauty amidst the album’s otherwise relentless storm.
With this third album, Lucifer’s Child leaves no doubt that they are no longer a rising force but a fully matured band, firmly entrenched in the Greek Black Metal pantheon. They have outgrown their formative years and now stand confidently alongside legends like Rotting Christ and Varathron, their sound every bit as powerful and commanding. If they continue on this path, they may well become the new standard-bearers of the Greek Black Metal scene—an undeniable force that demands to be reckoned with.
85/100
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