VARATHRON - Crowsreign (12" Gatefold DOUBLE LP)

Following a five-year hiatus, the Greek veterans of old-school occult and black metal return with a rejuvenated lineup, delivering a fresh interpretation of their signature dark and haunting style. Varathron's 2004 album, known for its controversy and eccentricity, originally released by Black Lotus Records, is now reissued by Floga Records, featuring new cover artwork by Juan Castellano.

Crowsreign represents a distinctive chapter in Varathron's journey, showcasing their willingness to explore new territories within their sound. While it may appear somewhat unconventional in their discography, this evolution is not entirely unexpected. The band had been gradually incorporating atmospheric and cleaner elements into their music, culminating in a departure from their earlier Hellenic black metal roots.

In this album, Varathron introduces more piano and acoustic elements, along with cleaner, schizoid vocals that provide a unique narrative to the songs. This experimentation creates a dynamic listening experience, ranging from the intriguing intro of "Evil Gets an Upgrade" to the intense transformation of "There is No God" into a melodic black/death sequence.

The album offers passionate bursts of metal aggression juxtaposed with tranquil interludes, and it includes Gothy elements like the eerie chant in "Darkness Falling" and the sweeping piano in "Emerging from the Immortals." There are moments of grandeur where the band's pagan, pompous riffing reaches satisfying climaxes.

Despite its considerable variation, Crowsreign may not leave a lasting impression beyond its 64-minute runtime. Some tracks could benefit from trimming, such as the lengthy "The King of Asine." However, standout moments like "Spirit of the Tomb" showcase the band's potential.

While Crowsreign may not resonate with all listeners, it demonstrates Varathron's willingness to evolve and explore new horizons. Even though it may not match the charm of their earlier works, it's a competent and well-executed album. Varathron's subsequent release, Stygian Forces of Scorn, would further refine their sound and direction, but Crowsreign remains an important milestone in their musical journey.