Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones

“Those who opposed us, those who lied to tarnish our name, those who interfered, those who lacked faith, may they relish being pathetically self-appointed divinity and continue to decay within their own festering ignorance”. This screed is in the “Thanks” section of Eparistera Daimones‘ (Century Media, 2010) liner notes. Before even playing a note, Tom G. Warrior lets you know he is not screwing around.

If anyone in metal believes in everything he does and says, it is Thomas Gabriel Fischer. Irony has no place in the man’s work. When he said that Triptykon would be similar to where Celtic Frost was heading with Monotheist, there was no reason to doubt him. The first moments of opening track “Goetia” confirm that in spades.

There is bliss in Triptykon’s simplicity. The band lives in the space between melodies with a thorough understanding of “less is more”. “In Shrouds Decayed” lingers on V. Santura’s delayed guitar and Fischer’s melancholy vocals for almost too long. Then a so-simple-it’s-awesome riff kicks the door down. “A Thousand Lies” harkens back to early Celtic Frost, complete with caveman drums and requisite “Ugh!”s. Tom G. takes no prisoners: “Everything you touch / Every word you speak / Every lie you shape / Every seed you sow / Dies!”

The last few songs have been divisive. “Myopic Empire” has drawn comparisons to everything from Alice in Chains to nu-metal. It is what might have happened had Neil Young written a metal song during the Freedom sessions. The vocal harmonies and deliberate arrangement recall Young at his heaviest — an odd tribute to Fischer’s talent for writing memorable songs. “My Pain” drifts into goth chick territory, but “The Prolonging” redeems it. The title is perfect for the 20-minute dirge of doom, despair, and that tone. The song is the sound of kingdoms falling.

With the reunions and supergroups of the last few years, there has been more hype in metal than any other time I’ve been witness to. Few, if any, have lived up to it. This project certainly falls into the hype category. The fact that it meets or exceeds every expectation is a testament to Triptykon’s talent. Say hello to the best album of the new year.

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