Litany - Apesis : The Sapience Of Dying

I ve been introduced to the Athenian doomsters Litany, rather “accidentally” some years ago when a copy of their first, selftitled, 7 ich reached me. This 7 inch has been releaed back in 2004, so I got in on my hands sometime between 2004 and 2005. My first impression about Litany’s music was that this band has “something original” and maybe “unique” something like a secret element in their music.
\r\nSo 2008 has arrived and I saw Litany as an opening act, to Lengedary Pagan Altar and the next day was the official release of their album “Aphesis” The Sapience of Dying” via Eat Metal Records. While I ve been wondering what on earth makes this band to sound so “unique” during this live performance I realized it. Some of Litany’s members have a Byzantine music base and knowledge, something that can be heard in their compositions.
\r\nWhile listening “Aphesis: The Sapience Of Dying” I discover the beauty of their heavy / doom metal music blending with their not so usual influences while in a couple of parts we can hear blast beats and guest brutal vocals. (New Born Dark 666).
\r\nSince I refered to guest musicians I d like to mention that in two tracks, Mr. Terry Jones of Pagan Altar contributes with his voice in “spoken words” parts.
\r\nThe Album features nine tracks which two of them are re recording of the tracks originally featured on the 7’’. These songs are probably the band’s anthem (according to my experience at their live show) “Solemn” and the heavy doom “Plunder Their Sons” The rest of the tracks are in the same musical form with some variations such us the tempo that moves from heavy mid tempo to more epic up tempo parts.
\r\nBut personally the fact that made me play this cd over and over again is the great vocals and back vocal lines sung by Nick Varsamis, that reminds me in many parts something like a Byzantine chants.
\r\nIn conclusion, “Aphesis : The Sapience of Dying” is an extremely good album,  especially if you dig classic doom vibes, with “true” feeling and attitude it will have your attention for sure.
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\r\nLampros “Witchfynder” Tennes\r\n