Band:	Katavasia
Album:	Magnus Venator
Style:	Melodic black metal
Release date:	September 04, 2020
Guest review by:	ForestsAlive

01. Daughters Of Darkness
02. The Tyrant
03. Blood Be My Crown
04. Chthonic Oracle
05. Saturnalia Magnus Cult
06. Triumphant Fate
07. Sinistral Covenant
08. Hordes Of Oblivion
09. Babylon (Sammu-Rawat)

This album is almost flawless from start to finish.

While I have been aware of Varathron for years, this related project flew under my and most media’s radars. It’s a shame that it has not gained the attention it deserves.

The sound is a mix of black and traditional metal with a production that doesn’t aim to sound retro. Every instrument sounds in a perfect place in the mix, with a perfect amount of compression that makes the whole listening experience so satisfying. What stands out though is the compositions: beautiful, heavy and melodic riffs, structured into actual songs with catchy verses and choruses. Some limited keys and pads attenuate some critical moments in the songs, showing that the band knows how to orchestrate.

The performances are also amazing, with the drummer and vocalist standing out for me. The drummer really knows how to accompany the riffs sounding technical but yet very human (reminds me of Nicko McBrain or whoever the drummer on Sigh’s Shiki album is), while the singer has a commanding voice that knows how to emphasise words for effect and storytelling: not your traditional black metal voice, for sure.

Overall, I cannot recommend this album enough. It should appeal to any fans of heavy music in general.