Kawir
“Kydoimos” (Soulseller Records, 2024)

Whenever we are asked about Black Metal, or talk about the topic, we straight away mention Norway. Well, that is never a mistake, but please keep in mind that the World is much bigger than that. With that, let us take a walk down South, to Greek lands, and enjoy the new, well not that new, as it came out on April 19th, so. Anyway, new Kawir is out, and we are thankful for being here at the same time, right? Right.

Kawir has been around since 1993 and has been very consistent in terms of releases and overall quality. It is hard to find such an alignment in terms of longevity and quality, but these lads pull it out every single time. “Kydoimos” has been on heavy rotation since I was able to put some time aside for music, and it is very easy to get lost in it. Not that it sounds bad, but the absolute opposite! Their magnetism is such, that you forget everything around you and simply focus on the music. One of the best things about Kawir’s sound? It still holds some of that Hellenic sound that many of us loved I the 90ies. I know I did since the moment I got a tape with a Rotting Christ album. It was love at first tune. Kawir carries that flame until today.

Kawir’s sound is still that melodic, although sort of barbaric, Black Metal with the obvious Greek details. In addition to these, we also have Folkish hints here and there, turning the music into an even bigger beast. We do have these pompous moments, these almost ceremonial parts, very resembling battle atmosphere, yet the melodic side to the band is a weight on the other side of the scale, making it a very well-balanced overall sound. And here is where the band’s richness lays: a balanced sound, makes for a balanced album, which makes for perfection. Not stating that this is one of the best albums of 2024, but I assure you that these epic battle hymns will be present in many EOTY tops. “Fields of Flegra” has all the elements of a good Black Metal tune, all the pieces of the best of the Greek Black Metal scene. I feel that bands like Roting Christ and Varathron went a bit over their sound, but Kawir kept their sound closer to their foundations. Wait, I like the mentioned bands very much!

Was “Kydoimos” a surprise? Not at all. Was I expecting to be so absorbed with their new release? No, in any way. In conclusion: please, if you have not yet checked their new release, do yourself a favour and do. Epic and Majestic Greek Black Metal.

Soulseller Records Official Bandcamp