If I hadn't had the chance to listen to a rough mix of this album, I would have been totally blown away now that I listen carefully to the fourth full-length album of the legendary Varathron. The recording sessions of "Stygian Forces of Scorn" had been already completed since the middle of 2007 (I am almost sure that the majestic album title had been chosen by Necroabyssious even more years ago, as I remember an advertisement of Black Lotus which was referring to the forthcoming album), but finally the album was released in September of 2009 by the Spanish label Die Totensrune.

In few words, I believe by the release of this record a quartet of great albums takes its final form: Nergal's "Absinthos" (2006), Rotting Christ's "Theogonia" (2007), Kawir's "Ophiolatreia" (2008) and the last one of course Varathron's "Stygian Forces of Scorn". Which common trait these records share you may wonder. I think that these four full-length constitute a great effort for the revival of the original Greek (or "Mediterranean") black metal sound, as this was being played by a great number of bands back in the period 1991-1997. This is something unique indeed; as the specific scene was one of the well hidden and most precious metal treasures worldwide (what can anyone say about thrilling bands such as Necromantia, Zemial, The Elysian Fields, Deviser, Fiendish Nymph, Blood Covered etc.?)!

Let me focus on three important points now: I) Many years ago, the foreign journalists had intimated the necrosis of the original Greek black metal sound, I wish they would embrace in the future the effort for its revival, II) it is a really pleasant fact that historical bands, such as Rotting Christ and Varathron, return in absolutely metal paths and they do not try to head for pathetic "Danny Elfman-meets-Slipknot" destinations like Septic Flesh, III) search for and listen to the outstanding demos of the Austrian retro metallers Shores of Sheol; they mix the sound of Agatus with that of Varathron! Long live the first wave of Hellenic black metal and its descendants!

"Stygian Forces of Scorn" constitutes a well-attended marriage of the original black metal sound (don't take this as a negative comment for the Norwegian scene!) with the contemporary approaches in musical production. Add also the unaltered voice of Necroabyssious and the hellish desire of the band for non-stop 100% metal riffing. Varathron's metal knows what metal really means, quoting the words of the "Metal Adviser" Fenriz! Here, you can listen to riffs that bring to one's mind even Running Wild ("Sacred Ahlat"), not to mention the beautiful heavy metal (maybe I should talk about epic metal) riff of "The Depths of Gnar" in 03:15!

Setting aside the various musical surprises, the listener will find lots of strata of guitar assaults according to the Swedish way (e.g. Dissection, The Black, Dark Tranquility of "Skydancer" era and Sorhin) and majestic atmospheres in the vein of Bathory (especially in "Aclo Savaoth Soth"), Ancient Rites of "Dim Carcosa" era and, finally, Rotting Christ. The guitars are awesome; just listen to the lead of "Legions of Profane Wrath" in 04:51 (in the vein of Zemial's "In Monumentum" album)! The rhythm-section is powerful (personally speaking, I would prefer the drums to be more straight at some times, but I know that many people will adore the performance of Haris) and the keyboards offer a touch of grandeur, bringing to one's mind Limbonic Art's "Legacy of Evil". Generally speaking, the arrangements are of the highest level, giving the desirable homogeny to the whole project. Each track has its own nice structure, so it's difficult for me to choose my favorite ones, nevertheless I should mention the outstanding track "Demoniac Abysmal Realms", what an anthem!

"Stygian Forces of Scorn" is not just a powerful return after the unstable "Crowsreign" album, but an opus which is just a bit inferior to Varathron's side from their legendary split with Necromantia and to "His Majesty on the Swamp" album. God damn it! The first riff of "Lords of Profane Wrath" is as divine as the opening of "Beneath an Ancient Communion" track! Hell yeah, Varathron are back!

P.S.: The only thing I didn't like so much was the distant sound of some "bombing" blast-beats, I think that these parts should be more bestial, nevertheless the sound quality in general is far better than many musical productions coming from professional studios of our country (and not only from there), although the album was recorded by the band itself with the precious help of Alexander Kakaroumpas.