EP Review: Theomachia – The Theosophist (Xenoglossy Productions/Onism Productions)

Xenoglossy Productions and Onism Productions will be combing efforts to release the latest EP from Italian black metal project, Theomachia (“battle among Gods” in Ancient Greek). The EP is called ‘The Theosophist’, it is out on February 4th, 2022 and will be released on cassette (Xenoglossy Productions – limited to 50 copies) and on digipak CD (Onism Productions – limited to 100 copies).

Enigmatic black metal ripped straight from the darkest depths of hell, Theomachia draws inspiration from the likes of Emperor, Ulver and more. Their brand of darkness comes with a cinematic edge. The three tracks on show here are grander, more eccentric and more focused than being three straight blasts of hellacious noise. Although that is, of course, still a prominent feature.

Though, what stands out, is the sense of dark and cold splendour. Where melody, spoken word chants and progressive tempo shifts make for a constantly evolving set of tracks. There’s no predicting where these tracks go next and that makes for a thrilling listen. Especially as this is just an EP and the three tracks, combined, barely pass the twelve-minute mark.

It’s interesting, it’s dark, it’s mysterious and it’s black metal.

Theomachia – The Theosophist Full Track Listing:

1. Gnothi Seauton
2. The Suicide of The Demiurge
3. The Theosophist

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