Symphonic Black Metal has always had a slightly scoffed at presence in my experience. Mainly associated with bands like Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir, it is seen as the more commercial end and thus unliked by many. Shadowcraft from Greece buck this trend with authority! Over the three tracks of this criminally short demo they lay down a master class in how to make symphonic black metal that still keep the aesthetics true.

 

Opener ‘And I Will Speak to Thou’ is a swirling epic of classically tinged black metal power that is broken up with a harpsichord section that beautifully slips back into an epic time change and finishes off the song with confidence and style. ‘Awakening’ is more reminiscent of bands like Thyrfing, incorporating a more folky atmosphere, but ending with a climactic classical flourish. I do like Lord Mephisto Draven’s vocals; they lend the proceedings a much darker atmosphere, as shown on the final track of the EP, ‘Revenge…’ with its haunting carnival like synths, his vocals bite and thrash at the ear drums and really drive the song. Shadowcraft have made a very confident and interesting start, incorporating many different elements that are sure to keep the listener interested and coming back for more. Greece can safely add another quality band to its list!