It’s hard to believe that influential Greek symphonic death metal outfit Septicflesh are now into their fourth decade. Even when people of a certain age [Happy big birthday yourself, Gaz! – Reviews Ed] try to improve matters by subtracting the four years of inactivity during the mid-2000s, the reality still sits unavoidably close to that same disconcerting landmark.

Formed in 1990, the early recordings by the Athenian act (known under the binary moniker of Septic Flesh at the time, and sometimes today, SepticFlesh) might be fairly raw in comparison to their recent output but there was always vision and a positive direction. However, it wasn’t until the band returned from their hiatus period, rejuvenated and apparently angry at the space bar, that things really started moving for the almost imperceptibly renamed Septicflesh.

Signing to their first major label in 2007 the band have continued to grow in stature, hitting a creative winning streak which shows no sign of abating. For their eleventh full length studio release, Modern Primitive (Nuclear Blast), the band cover the usual themes of occultism and mythology while also returning to more modern matters such as post-Covid society and noting how technology has come to play an even more significant part in everyday life.

Opening with a darkly atmospheric Middle Eastern intro, ‘The Collector’ erupts with devastating force. Creeping verses, imperious riffs and cinematic strings serve as back up to the formidable roars of frontman Spiros Antoniou, transforming thunderous black clouds into apocalyptic beauty. Boasting powerful orchestration and choral backing, the towering drama of ‘Hierophant’ and ‘Self-Eater’ are delivered as a two part story about a high priest who turns to forbidden rituals after failing to hear the voice of God.

After a deceptively gentle intro, ‘Neuromancer’ lurches and crawls into view. Focusing less on ancient religious rituals and more on the worshipping of computer overlords, guitarist Sotiris Vayenas‘s clean vocals give this song and the deafening drama of ‘Coming Storm’ an extra edge with shades of prime Therion. Similarly, the insistent movie score tendencies of ‘A Desert Throne’ and the epic, not quite self-titled ‘Modern Primitives’ opens the door into more expansive, melodic areas, the juxtaposition of Vayenas’s voice and Antoniou’s guttural tones further augmented by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Libro Coro children’s choir. Propelled by the metronomic savagery of drummer Kerim “Krimh” Lechner, the venomous barbs of ‘Psychohistory’ and compelling melodrama of ‘A Dreadful Muse’ bring the curtain down in style.

Packed with authoritative orchestrations from guitarist Christos Antoniou, melody, brutality, melodrama and atmosphere lie in wait at every labyrinthine turn. Another high point in Septicflesh’s lengthy career, Modern Primitive is simply colossal.

Buy the album here: https://septicflesh.bfan.link/hierophant.yde

9 / 10

GARY ALCOCK