Hellenic black metal masters VARATHRON premiere the first single from their upcoming album 'Patriarchs Of Evil', due out on April 27th via Agonia Records. Listen to 'Ouroboros Dweller' below:
Co-founded in 1988 by Stefan Necroabyssious, the band's vocalist and sole original member, VARATHRON has been on a steady release schedule since 2004's 'Crowreign'. The latter album introduced Haris (drums) and Achilleas C. (guitars) to the band, who were later joined by Sotiris (guitars) and Stratos (bass), and who together established a new, well-bonded line-up of an already established Hellenic black metal act, considered as one of the forefathers of the genre, next to Rotting Christ and Necromantia.
Having previously described 'Patriarchs Of Evil' as 'heavy, dark and full of melodies that will revive past memories', VARATHRON elaborates on the successor to 'Untrodden Corridors Of Hades' (2014), now that the recordings have come to an end:
'The time has come to deliver our new opus 'Patriarchs of Evil'. A sinful sip of this unholy communion will lure you into an astral journey of absurd dimensions - with an awakening smell of the old era. This album is one of the finest pieces Varathron has ever unleashed. We promise a true heavy, blasphemous and unique masterpiece with Necroabyssious delivering his best performance ever. With glorious riffs, profound melodies and a solid rhythm section, this dark testament is to delve into. The time of the rejuvenation has come!! WE ARE FOREVER IMMORTAL!!'.
'Varathron are proudly spreading the mediterranean plague since 1988! 30 years have passed and we continue to worship darkness and preach the unholy word! 'Patriarchs of Evil' is not just a new album, it is a celebration and one of our greatest creations. Behold the 8 hymns!'.
'Patriarchs Of Evil' was recorded, mixed and mastered over the course of 2017 by Achilleas Kalantzis (aka Achilleas C.) at Crown Audio Conspiracies, except for drums which were recorded at Infinite Loop Music Studios. Both studios are based in VARATHRON's hometown of Ioannina, Greece. The album's artwork and layout were designed by Juanjo Castellano. New band photos were taken by Evi Savva.
Tracklist:
1. Tenebrous
2. Into the Absurd
3. Luciferian Mystical Awakening
4. Saturnian Sect
5. Remnants of the Dark Testament
6. Hellwitch (Witches Gathering)
7. Orgasmic Nightmares of the Arch Desecrator
8. Ouroboros Dweller (The Dweller of Barathrum)
Album formats:
- Digipack CD with slipcase and 16 pages booklet.
- Black gatefold LP.
- Picture disc gatefold LP (with insert, patch and poster) limit. to 200 handnumbered copies.
- Yellow with black splatter gatefold LP (with insert, patch and poster) limit. to 125 handnumbered copies.
- '30 years' zipper hoodie.
- T-shirt.
Pre-orders:
https://agoniarecords.com/varathron
ONLINE
LINEUP
☩ Stefan Necroabyssious - Vocals
☩ Achilleas C - Guitars
☩ Sotiris - Guitars
☩ Stratos - Bass
☩ Haris - Drums
BIOGRAPHY
In the early days of 1988, Stefan Necroabyssious, Captain Death (ex-Vomit, ex-Sound Polution), Jim Mutilator (ex-Rotting Christ) and John (ex-Danger Cross) united their forces to create VARATHRON.
In 1989 the legendary debut demo "Procreation of the Unaltered Evil" was out.
In 1990 the second demo "Genesis of Apocryphal Desire" was out including a new line up with Stavros (Horrified) and Themis (Rotting Christ) in drums after the departure of Captain Death. In the same year Black Vomit Records rerleased the first Varathron EP "One Step Beyond Dreams".
In 1992 Necromantia and Varathron released a split release "Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sins" under the flag of Black Power Records. The specific release made a world wide impression and is considered one of the most important releases of the Hellenic Black Metal scene.
In 1993 Varathron signed a deal with Cyber Music Rec. and the first full length opus was out entitled "His Majesty at the Swamp". Themis, John and Stavros were replaced by Necroslaughter (Zemial, Agatus) on guitars and Wolfen on drums.
In 1995 Varathron released through Unisound Record their second full length album entitled "Walpurgisnacht". Line up: Necroabyssious, Pyrphoros on guitars-bass and Bill Crazy Wizard on Keyboards.
In 1999 "The Lament of Gods" EP was released by Pagan Records.
In 2004, once again a completely new line up was formed after the departure of Pyrphoros with the addition of Achilleas C (Aenaon, ex-Chaotic Symmetry) on Guitars and Haris (No Hand Path, Utmost Contempt, ex-Revolting Breed, ex-Morpheus) on Drums. "Crowsreign" was released by Black Lotus Rec and it is considered the most controversial album so far. In the same year "Live at the Swamp" demo was unleashed to the world including rehearsal and live material from 1991.
In 2009 "Stygian Forces of Scorn" was released by Die Todesrune Records and was considered as a great comeback after 5 years of silence. Tolis was added to the line up as a bass player and Sotiris (No Hand Path, ex-Rovolting Breed) in guitars. A split with Desolation was also released by Floga Rec.
In the following years Stratos Kountouras (Luna Obscura, One of Discord, ex-Vert) replaced Tolis on bass. In 2012 a 3 way split with Black Altar and Tharnspawn was released and in 2014 a split with Den Saakaldte was released by Floga Rec.
In late 2014 Varathron signed a contract with Agonia Records for the release of "Untrodden Corridors of Hades". Varathron are also preparing for live shows after almost 10 years since their last live appearence. Since today Stefan Necroadyssious is the only former meber of Varathron still in charge.
DISCOGRAPHY
His Majesty at the Swamp - 1993
Walpurgisnacht - 1995
Crowsreign - 2004
Stygian Forces of Scorn - 2009
Untrodden Corridors of Hades - 2014
Patriarchs Of Evil - 2018