Litrosis – I am Death

Releasedate: 01-05-2012; Label: Pitch Black Records
By: Martine Goffard

The first thing that came to my mind when I listened to I Am Death for the first time was “It can’t definitely be a first album”. In fact this is the first album of the Greek band Litrosis formed in 2010. It’s just that the members have all been playing here and there for a few years now. This explains a lot.

I Am Death belongs totally to symphonic black metal. The intro, Litrosis, introduces the theme with grandiloquence. Ceremonial drums and sepulchral choirs welcome you to hell. Then, Insomniac’s Lullaby explodes in your ears. This stuff rocks ! The harmony between the instruments is perfect. The voice is harsh and full of hate. The drums roll like waves. The next song, Soulcide, is the gem of the album. The first part is instrumental with a duo of the bass and the guitar. The Mediterranean influence in the tune and the violin renders a romantic feeling and warms the heart. Suddenly, it breaks like thunder and the metal falls heavy again. The song goes faster and wild. The solos are long and extravagant. The general atmosphere is a mix of anger and sadness. Finally, the tragic Soulcide ends in a breathtaking apotheosis. Burn The Sun is in the same vein but adds a male choir and theatrical voices coming out of the darkness. The repetitive end is pure pleasure. The following songs are on the same level. Arrives In The Grave You Go Alone, which is completely different. It’s the only slow, romantic song. It begins with a sorrowful harp melody. It’s not usual to hear harp and you regret it after that one. Vassilis changes his voice for something more clear and regular but still powerful. The guitarists let go in eccentric solos and seems to have a good fun on that one. Bury The Dead closes the album. It’s an orchestral song, dominated by violins. The emotions are strong and recreate the last goodbye. It’s followed by a respectful and thoughtful silence before you can hear the hidden track, which is an acoustic version of the Mediterranean tune we could enjoy on Soulcide.

I Am Death is an excellent album that never loses its vitality. The orchestral effects play a big role and the musicians have all a high level of professionalism. We await the next album with curiosity and enthusiasm !

Line up :
Vassilis – vocals
Alex “Ad Ventus” – guitars
Vassilis “Q-Snc” – keyboards, orchestration
Stergios – bass
Eli – drums

Tracklist: 01. Litrosis 02. Insomniac’s Lullaby 03. Soulcide 04. Burn the Sun 05. Countless Wounds 06. I Am Death 07. Bloodred Desert Plain 08. In the Grave You Go Alone 09. Bury the Dead

Links:
Litrosis Facebook