Year: 2020
Total Time: 41:56
Label: Agonia Records

“Shibalba”. Paraphrase of “Xibalba”, an accurate translation of “Place of Fear”, is the name of the underworld in Mayan mythology, at which you are led through a system of caves. The “Spirits” who will accompany us or better guide us on this journey are Acherontas V.P.Sorcerer and Aldra-Al-Melekh and the journey that will take us is special and shocking, a journey of Shamanic magic and rituals.

It is a journey of inner search, through separate and unique musical paths, paths that open in front of the listener one by one, eight in total, as well as the songs of the album. Following these paths, you come across unfamiliar, unusual melodies that pique your interest to such an extent that you look forward to see where you will be led after each step you take.

You will encounter strange instruments such as Tibetan horns and bowls that “sing”, trumpets with bones and horns, darbukas, ritual bells and gongs or percussion instruments made of bones and skulls that form the basis of this journey into your own inner world. Melodies from the depths of the East, melodies of unknown origin. Female vocals capable of seducing you, recitations, clear male vocals but also “hard”, choral parts…

You cannot distinguish songs from this album, you can not characterize one better than the other. You have to make the journey in its entirety. Do not be afraid even where you may want to have your “Eyes Wide Shut”.

Reaching the end, you may feel a fullness. You may feel a void. Whatever you feel, you will repeat it. Several times. From the beginning to the end. And it will be worthy of every listening, since in each one of them, in each of the eight of the “Tunnel”, a new corner will be illuminated until you finally grasp the whole meaning. The friends of “strange” music and atmospheres will love it, but regardless of them, no one will leave unmoved. At least that!

Rating: 8/10
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: SHIBALBA- Bandcamp Page