Review by Nekrist on March 26, 2026.

Something that never ceases to amaze me about the global extreme metal scene is the constant influx of new blood emerging from all corners of the world, often with remarkable quality and promising futures. I’ll never understand those who claim there’s nothing interesting left to discover these days—perhaps laziness and pride cloud their judgment, preventing them from looking beyond the same tired classics.

Many bands and artists reach out to me, enthusiastically sharing their music and eager to hear my thoughts on their latest work. Some come and go without leaving much of an impression, but those that truly stand out earn a more dedicated listen and a deeper analysis. This time, I’m reviewing a short yet intense debut demo from the Croatian solo project Sihir. Interestingly, I had already been following the person behind the project for quite some time, as they are a talented illustrator whose work I’ve admired on Instagram under the name “Entitatem Nvll Arts” (highly recommended). It was genuinely surprising—and exciting—to see them transition from creating artwork for bands to crafting their own music.

The demo, titled Nehebkau Metamorphosis, features two tracks that serve as a compelling introduction to what could evolve into a significant project. With an esoteric concept rooted in the mysteries of Ancient Egypt, paired with a striking logo and cover art (unsurprising given the creator’s artistic background), the release delivers a solid and engaging take on black metal. The riffs flow naturally, supported by strong melodies that at times even evoke shades of Darkthrone—whether intentional or not, the resemblance is certainly welcome.

Whenever I encounter bands exploring Oriental or Egyptian themes, I always hope for the inclusion of folkloric elements that enhance the atmosphere rather than fall into cliché. Initially, it seemed these touches might be absent, but they eventually emerge—just as I had hoped. The second track introduces an ambient passage enriched with exotic nuances that deepen the overall immersion. The drumming is competent and impactful, and considering this is a one-person project, the level of musicianship is particularly impressive. The cavernous vocals add a catacomb-like presence that perfectly complements the project’s thematic direction.

Given the brevity of this demo, there isn’t much more to dissect, but it leaves a strong impression. With such a solid foundation already in place, I can only hope a full-length album will follow in the future—because this is a project with clear potential waiting to be fully realized.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10