Review by Felix on November 1, 2026.

The chalice is filled again. Greek black metal veterans Acherontas return with a four-track EP, and the best news is that the guys from Athens haven't changed their style. The dominating whirlwind sections stand shoulder to shoulder with comparatively rare atmospheric soundscapes, and everything is built around an extremely high level of intensity. The fervent performance of the lead vocalist reflects the dedication of the entire band, so it comes as no surprise that compactness and density remain the cornerstones of their sound. There are a few narrative passages, but the demon-like, unholy approach still dominates the vocals throughout this EP.

Of course, EPs are not the sexiest format, but they offer the opportunity to present 20 minutes of high-quality metal instead of 40 minutes padded with boring parts. Acherontas take the listener on a completely mind-boggling journey during the first three tracks, making excellent use of the limited playing time. But don't count your chickens before they hatch. The closer is nothing more than an overlong fade-out, built around piano, elegiac vocals, and distant thunder. My simple question is: does an EP need an outro? And my even simpler answer is: no. However, this pale ending remains the only weak point of For The Blood Of Tiamat....

But enough about the closer. The arrangements of the "real" songs command my respect, no matter which one I pick. A certain degree of maturity is hardly surprising after almost two decades of existence, but it also takes a considerable amount of talent to compose tracks that offer pretty much everything you could ask for: tempo changes, different moods, a proper flow, and profound depth. Not to mention the strong guitar lines, which lend the material elegance and style. All in all, these thrilling and wild songs suggest that the band members are possessed by restless demons who enjoy torturing their souls. Perhaps this isn't a particularly healthy condition for the musicians, but it certainly results in great black metal. That's simply cool; we have to set our priorities.

Production-wise, Acherontas still don't aim for an extremely raw sound. That wouldn't suit the music anyway. As a result, the material comes across as quite melodic, but don't underestimate the band's inner fury. It would be a mistake to expect a polished production that delivers some kind of easy-listening black metal. No way. Acherontas stand with both feet firmly planted on the scorching-hot ground of black metal, and their creativity is obviously far from running out. So raise the chalice and enjoy the blood of Tiamat.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Jeger on September 15, 2026.

Three decades - 30 years worth of exploration - exploration of innermost truth and outermost perception. A ritualistic approach to the creation of Black Metal of the most inexplicable consort. For only the initiated can comprehend what lies beyond illusion's veil… Now, the Practitioner must prepare for a cleansing in the purifying marrow of the blood of Tiamat and to stream with the Current of the Dragon on this most celebratory eve - a ceremonial cracking of the dawn - an adventure just beyond the guise of illusion awaits! On August 30, the Grecian Occult Institution known as Acherontas will release "For The Blood Of Tiamat - Praxis I - XXX Years Anniversary Of Magick And Metamorphosis" via Osmose Productions. Four spells of transformative connotations.

30 years is a long time for anything, especially when it comes to the livelihood of a band, but for Acherontas, their bonds are of blood and flesh of heart and soul, thus immortalizing their will to create Black Metal that stands the test of time. Every LP is a Nightside journey into realms unfathomable. In homage to Lucifer! To the ages olde Faustian spirit and to things simply beyond my scope of comprehension. A worthy contribution is in order! And just like that, "Crowned In The Higher Self" a fevered initial immersion into the momentum of what feels like a vast rip current sweeping you into the experience with blast-beats, racing tremolos and ritualistic vocals. The suspense builds as fast as the drama; fostering a sense of wondering what you may have gotten yourself into… Powerful stuff here - more than music - an initiation of your very own if only for the duration and a genuine lens into the realm of transformative Occult practices. Enūma Eliš… For Tiamat! For Apsū and for Marduk - the birth of the Gods! Her body split into Heaven and Earth. Tracks like "Abyssic Rite Of Self-Deification" and the title-track to honor her spirit and to elevate thy own divine essence with luscious soundscapes fit for divinity.

As always, Acherontas is formulated with genuine members - real Occult Practitioners whose vision for creating Black Metal coincides with their knowledge of the supernatural. It takes real bravery to venture beyond the veil into where there is no explanation or reason, only ancient evil and diabolical powers. The EP closes with "Ex Tenebris Ad Lucem, Ex Lucem Ad Abyssum" - a fiery warm experience much like the feeling of His energy - His sacred infernal warmth. Just allowing yourself to drift helplessly through each moment as the very fabric of what feels real begins shift as would your reflection in a waterfall. Whispering voices to ease you into a state of primal enchantment. Another gem of recording and a more than worthy celebration of what has truly been a transformative journey for Acherontas. Older, wiser and yet still as eager to explore and to learn as day one. A passion that burns as hot as ritual's bonfire and no signs of slowing down. Heart, soul and spirit incarnate.

Rating: 9 out of 10