Year: 2023
Total Time: 38:39
Label: Hammerheart Records

It is known and accepted that the Greek scene has played an important role in the formation and establishment of the Black Metal sound during the 90s. Μain exponents were ROTTING CRIST and NECROMANTIA, however in 1996 DEVISER came and released their debut album “Unspeakable Cults”, which had its own contribution to this Greek Black Metal wave and now is considered as a classic in the band’s back-catalogue. The band was created in 1989 and so far has released five full-length albums and two EPs. After an absence of 12 years and the album “Seasons Of Darkness” which was released in 2011, they returned in 2023 with their fifth studio effort, “Evil Summons Evil”. We should also mention that during this intermission DEVISER have released “Howling Flames” EP in 2017.

The new album contains ten compositions that move mainly in mid-tempo rhythms, boiled with several interesting elements. So, the classic Greek Black Metal sound is combined with influences from the mighty BATHORY, while there are some influences from the second Black Metal wave (DARK FUNERAL, SATYRICON etc). This diabolical Black Metal alloy is enriched with keyboards, female vocals, symphonic parts and oriental melodies, elements that give a unique and majestic character to the songs, in a way that will attract even the fans of SEPTIC FLESH and MELECHESH. The album is also distinguished for its dark atmosphere while there are moments that could be described as a ritualistic Black Metal, something that we find in compositions like “Serpent God” and “Of Magick”, which feature guest vocals from the soprano Andronikis Skoula (CHAOSTAR).  The record includes also guest appearances from Efthimis Karadimas (NIGHTFALL) and Heljarmadr (DARK FUNERAL/GRA) in “When the Lights Went Out” and “Where Angels Fear to Tread” respectively.

“Evil Summons Evil” is exactly the album that someone would expect from a band that was absent for 12 years. Everything is perfected balance and noticed. Quality compositions, which sound particularly well worked, a musical ensemble enriched with different musical elements with a unique musical identity for each song, amazing evil artwork, morbid atmosphere, perfect production and a final mature result of highly professionalism. Personally I think that DEVISER released their best album since “Transmission to Chaos” and one of best Black Metal releases of the recent years for the Greek scene. Enjoy the overwhelming return of one of the most historical bands in the Greek Black Metal scene!

Rating: 8/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: DEVISER – Official Page