Ambrotos - Transcendental Mastery

Share this on Facebook | Share this on Twitter

Greek Black Metal is one of the foundations where the actual Black Metal outfit is based, because names as ROTTING CHRIST, NECROMANTIA, VARATHRON and others helped to create the model known as ‘Hellenic Black Metal’. In other words: without Greek Black Metal approach, the genre wouldn’t be what it is today. And the trio AMBROTOS is an heir of those elements, as can be heard on “Transcendental Mastery”, their first album (after a sequence of EPs).

They can be said an Old School Black Metal band, aggressive and crude, with a harsh outfit and using an instrumental technique that’s far of being exaggerated. But the core of their musical identity is full of the Hellenic Black Metal hooks, as clean agonizing vocals in some moments, melodic traces used to create somber ambiences, but with a brutal classic approach. And the band shows a personality pulsing under their songs, so as they mature, the better they’ll be. But for now, they’re really good!

The production is a work signed by George Nerantzis (who did the mixing and mastering as well) and the band itself. It was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and shows a traditional Black Metal sonority: somber and organic, with simple and aggressive instrumental tunes. But everything sounds defined and its due place, allowing the fans to understand what’s being expressed by the band. And some guests are presented as well: Manos Nikolenas on the piano and keyboards, Antimo Buonnano doing some parts of the vocals on “Cosmos Supremacy”, and Vili Sinouri (additional vocals), Nick Papakostas (additional vocals), and Giannis Nikolaidis (bass) on “Mental Vastness”.

The trio shows a solid and very good work on the album. And to have a taste of what it’s up to, hear to “Transcendental Mastery” (a song filled with a nasty approach, with contrasts between oppressive parts and fast moments, in a simple, solid and good work of bass guitar and drums), “Void” (a faster song in a traditional fashion of Black Metal, with nasty and catchy guitar riffs), “Mental Vastness” (an atmospheric and experimental song that’s usual for Hellenic Black Metal acts, with fine contrasts between vocals), and “Daimonica” (a long and multifaceted song, with energy and hooks of the genre, and it’s really charming) are the best ones.

A charming band that really deserves to be heard by extreme Metal fans, AMBROTOS uses a set of pre-Socratic philosophy and ideas on its lyrics, so dive deep on “Transcendental Mastery” and be seduced by their darkened appeal.

Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 9
Memorability: 8
Production: 8