For those who do not know, Thou art lord (apparently named after the classic Acheron song), is the black metal all-star Greek band, consisted by Magus Wampyr Daoloth (ex-Rotting Christ, Necromantia) and Sakis (previously named Necromayhem, guitarist/vocalist of Rotting Christ).
For this recording, the two main members have hired Set' (ex-Septic Flesh) for the vocals.
The cd starts off with two strong tracks, "A chaldean Hex" and "Baphomet's meteor".
However, they are not as good as the following one, "Crowning the Winged Skull (Enthroning the Dragon", the album's best track in my opinion. After a noisy bombastic guitar riff, all instruments stop and a hellish chorus fades in, repeating the words 'Rex Grandis Mundanus Spiritus Impius Est', creating an occult and very dark atmosphere. In this chorus are participating some well-known artists from the Greek extreme metal scene, namely Gore from Horrified, John and Makis from Negative creeps and Merkaal (who came into the studio very drunk and offered himself to sing) from Order of the Ebon Hand. Furthemore, Sakis chants Magus' satanic lyrics with his cult Greek accent, and the hellish chorus works as a refrain. A masterpiece for sure.
The following track, "Society of the Dilettanti" is another highlight, not as good as the previous though. In this track all three members sing their own parts, resulting in a fantastic chorus. After the good-but-not-that-good track "Desire, Lust and Incubus" comes the hedonistic "Eyes wide shut and lips wide open", with an addictive chorus, fine riffing and daring moaning samples to the end of the track.
Finally, "The shadow doctrine" is just good, "Behind the Druid walls" is the second in quality track of the album. Superb riffs, unmelodic guitar work and excellent vocals by Magus. (although it reminds me a little Mayhem from time to time, but it doesn't matter). The album closes with "Those we guide", whose satanic lyrics were written by a mysterious unknown guy named Nemo.
Generally, this album sounds satisfying, with (relatively of course, we are talking about black metal here) good production, very interesting guitar disharmonies, and of course, percussive annihilation. I give it 85%, though something in the back of my head tells me to give more.
Additional information: Akis K. sits behind the drumkit (Necromantia, ex-Septic Flesh), and in the back of the booklet one can read that the Church of Satan has given its eulogies for the creation of this album! Basically it reminds me of Acheron...
In short: Well done, Sakis and Magus...a very interesting choice for every metalhead.
Sample:
youtube.com/watch?v=qeM5J3AA0eI&list=RDqeM5J3AA0eI&start_radio=1&t=170s
