The from Greece hailing Akantha is a relative newcomer in the Greece Black Metal scene.
I mean based on releases since Akantha started in 2002. Their first release “Apocalyptic Psalms” has been released in 2018. And now it is my honour to make a review of “Gnothi Seauton” which is already full length number three. Does three albums in three years effect the quality of the release?

Luckily the answer is no. Athainos (guitars, bass and vocals) and S. (drums) manage to make “Gnothi Seauton” a short, 32 minutes, but powerful release with some great Black Metal songs. The title of this album actual can be translated as “Know thyself” or “Know your limitations”. And these guys surely know their qualities because this album has some great aggressive and slower paced threatening tracks in its league. If you want a reference: it reminds me a little of Judas Iscariot while the vocals remind me of Satyr from Satyricon. In fact, this album has a certain Scandinavian vibe without forgetting their Greek roots.

While opener “My Throne is the Epicenter” and follow up “Synergies (Skepsis, Logos, Praxis)” are fast and intense hellish fuelled Black Metal tracks, “The Mystical Nyx” is slower paced but oh..so threatening. With its tight intense riffs and relatively simple yet highly effective drums these songs are candy for the ear. The content of this piece of art is grimm, dark, aggressive and utterly enjoyable. Just listen to last track “Spiralling up the Cosmos” with its excellent tension build up and grimmness which reminds me of Darkthrone. This song is just spot on!

With a solid production and excellent song writing and some really dark themes, which I advise you to delve in yourself, “Gnothi Seauton” is a dark and haunting piece of art which surely fits in your record collection if you are a Black Metal devotee. Job well done guys!

Score:
8,0 / 10

Label: His Wounds / New Era Productions
Review Made By: Erik

Tracklist:
1. My Throne is the Epicenter
2. Synergies (Skepsis, Logos, Praxis)
3. The Mystical Nyx
4. Anaclisis of a Thronody
5. Chasm
6. Spiralling Up The Cosmos