Review: MEDIEVAL DEMON – Arcadian Witchcraft

Year: 2020
Label: Hells Headbangers Records
Rating: 8,5/10

The mighty brothers Karras, after a decade of oblivion, returning to the stage with the album “Medieval Necromancy", demonstrated that the ancient Greek metal not only lives, but also feels great in a modern sound environment. On "Arcadian Witchcraft", they show more serious ambitions. The band hired a bassist, and not just anyone, but Jim Mutilator (the one from ROTTING CHRIST), got rid of the guitarist and and took in his place a session member nicknamed Chthonius. I don't know if this guy wrote music or just played it, but the fact is that it has changed a lot.

"Arcadian Witchcraft" falls on your head with guitar solos and the melody of classic Heavy Metal, which, like a snake, is entwined with ancient cavernal evil. "Meet Her Majesty, The Black Queen" is the best song in Greek metal that I have heard in my life. With it enchanting energy, it leaves such a strong impression that it lasts almost until the end of the album. After that, the degree of musical frenzy gradually subsides, and traditional Greek metal-occultism with warm guitar and bass vibrations returns to the palette – all this in order for the numerous influences and elements of sound to merge again in the last track.

At the same time, the album has an almost symphonic character, since there is an abundance of keyboard parts and other additional instruments in it. If "Medieval Necromancy” was closer to NECROMANTIA and SAMAEL, then "Arcadian Witchcraft" is closer GEHENNA. The musical canvas turns out to be extremely rich. I want to listen to this record again and again, not only because of its fiery nature, but also simply because it is interesting. Even from a technical point of view, everything was done correctly: the level of performance is very high, and the sound (it was handled by another former member of ROTTING CHRIST, George Emmanuel) turned out to be both underground and legible. My recommendations!