It’s exactly as the old saying goes – great minds think alike. It’s only natural that those who make substantial moves throughout the underground would eventually, in some form or another, come together and join forces whether it be in sharing a stage, entering the studio together, or forming an entirely new entity that brings together some of the best aspects of what other bands may have in spades. It’s that third option that we see with a decent level of consistency and we’re very fortunate to live in a time where such potential is constantly given justice for all that it can be. Formed by a duo that are extremely talented in their own acts, it’s in the debut of Thanatorean that these two monoliths of black metal excellence create a potent and dark performance that’s far from anything to scoff at.

Given the sheer talent and prowess that’s to be had from the rising names of Cultum Interitum and Ars Magna Umbrae, the very concept of those two coming together is something that should be more than enough to get any proper connoisseur of the underground raising an eyebrow in immense interest at the very least. Both of those acts are viciously compelling in their own rights, and it’s with its debut effort of “Ekstasis of Subterranean Currents” that Thanatorean bursts onto the scene with such power, focus, and raw energy that one cannot help but become overwhelmed and enthralled by all that this fresh name already has to offer. A largely straightforward creation that offers a rawer and much more dissonant sound than what one might expect from the somewhat experimental Ars Magna Umbrae or the menacing occultism of Cultum Interitum, but we’re not here to retread the same sonic territory, are we? Thanatorean wastes no time in setting itself apart from its related act, and it’s in doing so that “Ekstasis of Subterranean Currents” immediately takes on a massive presence all of its own with the nuances, melodies, and sinister intent of the record all coming together in a singularly intoxicating package that demands the whole of your being if you’re to come even close to uncovering what the work has to offer in its entirety. Singularly devastating and nigh on disorienting despite its moments of surprising catchiness, Thanatorean is already a force not to be underestimated lest the duo pull you into a whirlwind born from the darkest abyss where eternity is a guaranteed sentence.

This is the kind of debut we should have expected from this powerfully talented duo, yet the reality of this madness is ever so much sweeter than what I think many of us could have been ready for. It’s dense and menacing in all the right proportions for all the right reasons, and it should go without saying that Thanatorean is an act that any fan of potent and sinister black metal should immediately find themselves before lest they miss a name that’s already poised to do great things. “Ekstasis of Subterranean Currents” has much to call its own and incompetency isn’t even close to being in that conversation.

“Ekstasis of Subterranean Currents” releases on June 27th via I, Voidhanger Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Ekstasis of Subterranean Currents” on Bandcamp here or via YouTube below.

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