Medieval Demon ‎(GRE) – Arcadian Witchcraft LP

Black Metal

MEDIEVAL DEMON’s third album is a wellspring of noble ’90s spirits, not just in their native Hellenic scene but further afield: from old Samael to equally old Master’s Hammer, from Necromantia’s pioneering early work to the cult Italian prog band Jacula from the early ’70s, most especially with their haunting church organ. Upon its first dramatic notes, Arcadian Witchcraft is immediately, excitingly MEDIEVAL DEMON and pulses further into the velvety abyss with each of these seven spells. The poise, nuance, and sheer craft of their songwriting here reaches a masterful level, and one that’s authentically ancient in its splendor – which is perhaps not surprising given that their lineup now includes one Mutilator, original bassist of ROTTING CHRIST. Here, he brings along a number of ideas he hadn’t used during the ’90s, and likewise does Lord Apollyon unearth a number of old unreleased songs from those days. Which brings everything full circle, as Mutilator helped record MEDIEVAL DEMON’s first demo at Storm Studio…