When it comes to debut albums that come out smashing seemingly out of nowhere, you won’t easily find a stronger one in recent years than Telma‘s Ανθρωποβόρος. The Greek band has been slowly forging their album since 2017, when their track Ξ​ί​φ​η Σ​τ​ρ​α​μ​μ​έ​ν​α σ​τ​ο Φ​ο​ί​ν​ι​κ​α appeared in the Art Against Censorship compilation, definitely turning some heads with their combination of old school doom metal married with epic heavy metal elements. The expectations were undoubtedly high, also knowing the background of the members in bands that have made essential contributions to the underground scene, such as antifascist black metal duo Voak, Bohemian Grove, and Extremity Obsession. So it is no real surprise that Ανθρωποβόρος absolutely delivers.

Sung entirely in Greek, Ανθρωποβόρος, meaning man-eater, presents a 47-minute voyage through heavy, dark and epic soundscapes. The production and mixing are really strong and clean and pave the way for the band’s compositions to spread out. The expressive vocals of singer Vangelis are a focal point; instead of the usual “tenor” approach of doom metal singer, his delivery is passionate and theatrical, betraying a variety of influences and emotions. On the string department, the crushing guitar riffs are often combined with guitar leads, playing melodies that contribute to the epic heavy metal side we mentioned. The compositions themselves sound sculpted into maturity from the passing of time. Without diverting stylistically much from each other, each song sounds unique and they all complement each other into making a record that flows effortlessly from beginning to end.

The band’s lyrics also deserve to be mentioned, although not accessible to anyone who doesn’t speak Greek. In a style of writing that perhaps seems closer to literature than poetry and using some folklore elements here and there, they weave tales about overcoming oppression, finding hope and self-determination, and ultimately coming to terms with the end (as the band name itself refers to). It’s great writing and we all know that it’s when meaning and music get together that metal truly fulfils its promise. Ανθρωποβόρος definitely takes aim to place itself among the best doom metal albums of the year. Listen to it then, cause it might be a while until we get something from this band again, and yet when that happens, we’re pretty sure that it’ll be at least as good.

⚔️ ΤΕΛΜΑ ⚔️

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