Year: 2024
Total Time: 51:09
Label: Soulseller Records
No special introduction is needed for the Hellenic Black Metallers KAWIR, as they are the pioneers of Hellenic Pagan Black Metal scene, receiving huge respect from the extreme fans all over the world. Five years have passed since their last album “Adrastia”. These years weren’t easy for the band, as Therthonax (KAWIR’s leader), faced a serious health problem. In fact, in 2022 they released in digital form the “War of the Giants” EP in order to support Therthonax’s rehabilitation expenses. The leader of KAWIR managed to overcome these difficulties and two years after the release of the EP, the band presents its new full length album entitled “Kydoimos” (Kydoimos)”, with new member additions in the bass, second guitar and drums.
In “War of the Giants” we took a first taste from the music direction of the new album. Truth is that the expectations created were high; something that the band managed to fulfill with the new album. All compositions of the EP are included in “Kydoimos”, in slightly different versions, something expected as KAWIR had the opportunity to work on them again. Lyrically, KAWIR are taking us into ancient and mythical battlefields, as they are singing (among others) about the mythical warrior in the battle of Marathon “Echetlaios”, the thrilling combat between “Achilles and Hector”, the battle of the Centaurs (Centauromachy) and about “Kydoimos” who was the personified spirit (daimon) at the battlefield’s confusion.
Those war references are explaining the intense aggression of the album as KAWIR with “Kydoimos” are releasing the most raw album of their career. Their classic riffing and characteristic “ancient” melodies are combined with a warlike brutal sonic orgasm, in which fast rhythms and blastbeats are playing a dominant role. Of course,, the Pagan/Folk elements with the ancient musical instruments couldn’t be left out. We can also hear influences from the Norwegian scene in songs like “Achilles and Hector”. In this outbreak of aggressiveness there are three compositions which are differentiated as the epic aesthetic is strong while BATHORY influences leave their imprint. I am referring to the amazing “Hecatonchires “, in which Jim Mutilator participates doing choirs, and to “Achilles’ Funeral” and “War Is the Father of All “. In the last two songs mentioned, Elias Zervas does the vocals and choirs making a captivating performance that travel us to ancient mystical places and times.
I should also mention the participation of Dis Pater (from the Black Metallers MIDNIGHT ODYSSEY) who is responsible for the keyboards in “Kydoimos”. The lyrics of the album are in Greek language while Porphyrion stands out with his devastating performance! Some say that “what doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger” and this phrase seems to fits perfectly on KAWIR and its new album “Kydoimos”, as the band returned stronger and angrier than ever, despite the difficulties. I believe this new album is the band’s best release since “Isotheos” back in 2012. KAWIR have been releasing only good albums and they are pioneers in the Greek Pagan style that they created and offer to the world.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: KAWIR – Facebook Page
