Katharos's Elegant, Malevolent Ode to "Those Hornclad" (Early Track Stream)

With powerful orchestral swells and unnerving interludes punctuating their furious onslaught, Katharos‘s upcoming second full-length album Of Lineages Long Forgotten finds a vital ‘sweet spot’ for symphonic black metal. While not too heavy-handed so as to bury their ferocity, the band’s symphonic side drapes their black metal in regal finery that gracefully elevates the proceedings. Put all that aside and the Swedish band’s devastating riff-crafting and punishing, tight song structures are easily worth listening to anyway, but the full package is a whirlwind that can’t be resisted. Stream the opening track “Those Hornclad” now:

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The haughty and martial riffs on this track prove to be ideal companions for Katharos’s tactful use of symphonic sounds, giving even the most downright punishing riffs an air of mystery. Simply following the winding motifs and complex structures on Of Lineages Long Forgotten is rewarding, but the album’s oppressive and menacing atmosphere adds even more depth behind Katharos’s black metal mastery.

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Of Lineages Long Forgotten releases May 13th via Willowtip Records.