Almost three years after the release of their dark and sinister debut, this Greek Blackened Death Metal horde returns from the pits of the underworld with their sophomore black mass.
Almost three years after the release of their dark and sinister debut Arcane Paths to Resurrection, Athens, Greece-based Blackened Death Metal horde Decipher returns from the pits of the underworld with their sophomore black mass, entitled ΘΕΛΗΜΑ, or Thelema, a Greek word meaning “will,” “desire,” or “purpose,” used in philosophy and religion (especially biblical contexts for God’s will). Featuring a Stygian artwork by Artem Grigoryev (Dödsrit, Nightbringer), the new opus by Kostas Gerochristos (Lucifer’s Child) on vocals and guitars, Kostas Xatzis also on the guitars, Kostas Ragiadakos (Dephosphorous) on bass, and Nodas Chatzopoulos on drums elaborate on the music forged on their debut album, adding better nuance and structure to the songs whilst retaining the sound and appeal. Allowed better expression, the songs are comparatively longer and have a narrative quality to them without straying too far from the core sound.
The quartet summons the powers of the dark spirits already in Return to Naught, where their Rotting Christ and Behemoth inspirations clash in a stunning way, led by the devilish growling by Kostas Gerochristos. Then Nodas takes control of the band’s Black Metal sound armed with his hammering beats in The Black March, supported by the stringed attack by his bandmates, and their caustic riffs ignite the no shenanigans Blackened Death Metal beast Seven Scars, the most aggressive of all songs, with Kostas Gerochristos roaring like a rabid creature. Nodas keeps the atmosphere as grim and violent as possible in Bound to the Wheel, a classic Black Metal tune boosted by the band’s Greek spices, whereas their Hellenic vein gets even stronger in Hail Death, with their strident, piercing riffs once again sending shivers down our spines. Kostas Gerochristos and Kostas Xatzis continue to extract Black and Death Metal energy from their guitars in Towards Renaissance, supported by the rumbling bass by Kostas Ragiadakos, morphing into the cryptic instrumental outro Litany, putting a sinister ending to their black mass.
In summary, the music found in ΘΕΛΗΜΑ is the kind of Black Metal that gets its priorities straight, with the right focus on riffs, feeling, intensity, and passion, being therefore highly recommended for admirers of the dark arts crafted by Emperor, Yoth Iria, Bolzer, Lucifer’s Child, Varathron, Necromantia, Ravencult, and Dodsferd, among others. You can find those Greek black metallers on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with their news and live concerts, stream their obscure sounds on Spotify, and purchase your copy of their flammable new album from their own BandCamp or from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ BandCamp, main store, US store or EU store. Because in the end, God’s will doesn’t really matter in heavy music. It’s the majestic Black Metal played by bands like Decipher in their new album that truly does.
Best moments of the album: Return to Naught, Seven Scars and Hail Death.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Transcending Obscurity Records
Track listing
1. Return to Naught 4:29
2. The Black March 7:08
3. Seven Scars 5:53
4. Bound to the Wheel 6:05
5. Hail Death 7:43
6. Towards Renaissance 6:47
7. Litany 4:51
Band members
Kostas Gerochristos – vocals, guitars
Kostas Xatzis – guitars, backing vocals
Kostas Ragiadakos – bass
Nodas Chatzopoulos – drums
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 