Thyrathen - Lakonic

Thyrathen is a black metal band from Greece, who formed in 2011.  Their latest release, “Lakonic,” is their second full-length album.

I missed Thyrathen's debut album but “Lakonic” has hit me hard.   In some ways, it’s a stripped down approach. Synths, keys, post-passage, and ambient soundscapes are nowhere to be found across the album’s 7 track, 45 minute runtime.   There is definitely a charm to this approach, a certain touch of classic repertoire that basks in its own purity.

But, at the same time, this isn’t run-of-the-mill black metal either.   Due to the use of the vocal styles and the lyre, “Lakonic” is an album that stands out with its own sound even while it seeks to honor the foundations of the genre.

Though much of its focus is on the vocals and lyre, it is still very much a riff based album with a lot of sweet riffs.  The guitar tone is pretty damn strong too but none of the elements have to fight each other to be heard.  The guitar and lyre work side by side and it sounds fantastic.  The bass and drums also have a powerful sound—full and deep without breaking the sound. 

The album begins with “The Throne of Micro-Cosmos (Foolishness),” and the lyre kicking it off as clean vocals build in the background over whispered words. It sounds ancient but very alive.  The extreme vocals are insane—low growls, depraved wails, blackened screams.  It adds to the chaos and energy of the song.  The later half of the song is highlighted by melodic leads and strong rhythms that pulse with fervor.  

I like how the album doesn’t stick to any one tempo, offering blazing speed among more methodical approaches.  Its melodic tendencies are just as balanced, not favoring any type of truth other than their own desire to supply the songs with exactly what they need.

The oddly titled “Matter, Void, Sperm,” has a regal beginning with the lyre leading the way for the pounding drums and heavy guitars to build up the song.  Spoken word and clean chants/choir add to the layers, showcasing the band’s strong ability to grow the songs and build the world as it comes.

The middle of the song is all fire and fury, melodic leads weaving a tapestry that ensures the vocals have much foundation to build upon. The later half the song is certainly much heavier, hammering out riffs after riffs.

“Η Πόλις - The City (The Philosophical Poem),” is one of my favorite songs on the album.  The vocals drip with venom and I like how the music is slow and stalking.  At times it’s oddly beautiful, what with the lyre mixing with the tight riffs and various vocal styles. Speaking of which, the vocals get quite excited around the mid-section and push the song to another level. 

The album ends with “Scales & Sword (the Fall of Justic)” and it’s another favorite of mine. The melodic intro is awesome and smoothly flows into heavier wates, which retain some of the melody as the song dives head first into a sea of double bass and excellent guitar work. 

The greek metal scene has been unstoppable for decades, is unstoppable, and will always be unstoppable.  The amount of great bands from this country is insane and it should come as no surprise that Thyrathen find themselves among them.  “Lakonic” is a solid representation of the modern day Greek scene and yet another fine album to add to the country’s metal history.