I am going to say it right from the start. Horrors From The Void is the best heavy metal album of 2021, and I say this while still listening to the album one month in and loving it. Horrors… is addictive like a drug. The power trio that consist the band achieved something unique. Everything works perfectly throughout the album; from the solos, the vocal melodies and the choruses, the riffs, the production and the Lovecraftian atmosphere, in approximately 50 minutes (including the two bonus tracks) Black Soul Horde managed to put together an almost impeccable album of heavy metal darkness. And I say almost because perfection is only given through the test of time.
Even though the band formed in 2012, I’ve only known them since last year with their sophomore release, Land Of Demise, seven years after their debut, Tales Of The Ancient Ones and I’ve only really listened to Horrors From The Void.
The first thing that caught my attention is the vocals. Jim Kotsis has a unique voice that actually plays a great part in forming the identity of the band. There have always been heavy metal bands with vocalists that move into a love/hate territory with their audience. Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Eternal Champion, King Diamond and others. For some, these vocalists are considered exceptional, while others find them unbearable. I would not place Kotsis among these ‘love them or hate them’ vocalists because to my ears and taste his voice is a perfect match to the music. These vocalists make all these bands sound distinct and separate themselves from everyone else. Now, put in the mix great heavy metal riffs, solos and choruses, accompanied with matching drum work and bass that give an intense, fleshy body to the sound and you get Horrors From The Void; an album that enriches heavy metal.
Listen to Beware The Deep, or Dragonfire. Listen to Beneath The Mountains Of Madness or The Curse and you will soon find yourself singing along with Jim Kotsis about the invasion of our world from Ythians, or the emerging of Fenrir from the void, or about the rise of Cthulhu where you will sing:
Immortal soul, I summon thee,
Your airless tomb can't hold you now
Dark shadows spread like wildfire from the abyss
Mountains collapse, then oceans boil
Atrocious nightmares come to life
Behold the sign written in blood: Beware the Deep!
Kostas Papaspyrou, John Tsiakopoulos and Jim Kotsis should be proud because they crafted an album of excellent heavy metal. We should also mention the work of Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design for creating the cover for Horrors From The Void; a cover that catches the mood of the album and gives the right first impression. The only thing left for me now is to buy it on vinyl when released by Vinylstore.gr.
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