Thokkian Vortex - Thy Throne is Mine (2020)

Formed by Lord Kaiaphas ex-Ancient and ex- Grand Belial’s Key, today we have Thokkian Vortex and their sophomore release titled “Thy Throne is Mine”. With a relentless Black Metal style from the late 90’s, this band perfectly blends atmosphere, melody and creepiness to create ten engaging songs. Tailored for fans of old Dimmu Borgir, early Cradle of Filth and Ancient, this release feels like a trip down memory lane with the added value of a modern production.

After an intense intro, “Banishing the Lion of Kutha” unleashes dramatic lead guitars and playful keyboards to wrap around a blistering Black Metal core graced by Lord Kaiaphas harsh vocals and Asmodeus Draco Dux’s hyper-fast drumming. We particularly enjoy the slower and more atmospheric passages with ethereal clean male vocals. Fully evoking a Satyricon circa late 90’s vibe, “The Throne is Mine” is one hell of a vicious track filled with aggression and crafty riffs.

The more atmospheric side of the band is made present on the eerie “The Moon Brethren”, a track that has a certain Horror movie vibe to it. If you are into Black’n’Roll, “Godspeed Satan” is a song that has a certain punkish/rock n roll playful vibe to shake things up and keep the listener on his edge. That late 90’s BM nostalgia comes to us in the shape of “The Wreathing Serpent” and “Traverse the Tonal”, two songs that are filled with blistering BM onslaughts and trippy atmospherics.

Our personal favorite is the darker and even doomier “Winter Forest Cry”, a song with a sinister shadow that sets a very melancholic and even vampiric mood. The album closes with a weird cover of Black Widow’s “Come to the Sabbat” and an instrumental outro. Overall, “Thy Throne is Mine” is a solid album that feels a bit all over the place. We would have preferred that the album had more consistency and flow, especially since there are plenty of good songs, just a few experiments that feel a bit odd. If you are in the market for retro/nostalgic late 90’s Black Metal, check this one out.

Label: Non Serviam Records

Release: February 28th, 2020

Genre: Black Metal

Country: International