10/10/2023 20:08

Varathron

Varathron: new album 'The Crimson Temple' out in December

Greek black metal stalwarts Varathron's 7th full length album 'The Crimson Temple' will be release on December 1st, 2023, via Agonia Records.

Track listing:
01. Ascension
02. Hegemony of Chaos
03. Crypts in the Mist
04. Cimmerian Priesthood
05. Sinners of the Crimson Temple
06. Immortalis Regnum Diaboli
07. To the Gods of Yore
08. Shrouds of the Miasmic Winds
09. Swamp King
10. Constellation of the Archons

Vocalist Stefan Necroabyssious commented:
"It's been almost 35 years since it all started but the lust for unholy creations grows bigger every day. Crafted with unyielding devotion and uncompromising passion we present to you our new opus entitled 'The Crimson Temple'! The album consists of 10 tracks in an epic, 46 minute ride into the depths of our deranged vision. 'The Crimson Temple' was produced once again in Suncord Audiolab and illustrated in extreme detail by the one and only Paolo Girardi. As always, we shall never forget to express our eternal gratitude for your overwhelming support all these years. We are most eager to share everything with you."

He continued about the artwork:
"Τhe concept is about a temple that is used for unholy sacrifices. Several witches carry newborn babies and deliver them to a high priest. He is the one who offers them to a demonic entity, which in turn devours them and feeds the souls in Hades with their blood. This entity with one hundred hands is one of the 'Hecatoncheires' (which derives from the ancient Greek word ἑκατόν (hekaton, “hundred") and χείρ (cheir, “hand").

When I was talking about the aesthetics of a specific painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, to my friend Petros, I was missing the actual form of the demonic devourer, as a central piece of the cover. Petros actually discovered that entity hidden as a detail in a corner of that painting. Of course I knew all about them, but this gave me additional inspiration to complete the whole concept. I am an admirer of Flemish paintings. Flemish artists appeared from the Middle Ages but created works through the Renaissance as well. Their paintings were very detailed and macabre. In the Renaissance, their themes became less macabre and had soft colors; usually dark green, red or brown. However, they used to incorporate magical or occult symbols in their works. I also wanted a cover rich in details; every corner should have a story to tell, like it was several paintings combined in one giant fresco from the depths of hell itself.

Stratos also wanted some extra designs to be used for the album's inlay as well as some of the merch that would accompany it. So, we were in great need of an artist who would be able to paint all that with traditional techniques and pure dedicated passion. I didn't want any digital techniques used. We did an extensive research for artists all over the world and finally we were lucky to share a common vision with artist Paolo Girardi from Italy.

Paolo loved the whole idea of a painting that looks like it was created in the era of Flemish art. I noted all the details on paper and gave them to Stratos, along with a photo of Christ In Limbo, a 16th century painting of Jan Brueghel the Elder, to show him the color hues I wanted. Stratos contacted him by mail and Girardi was very positive. He asked us for a simple sketch, as a guide of where the details should be placed in the painting. His final result simply stunned me. The way he interpreted everything on canvas was astonishing. I believe it could easily find a place in an exhibition for Flemish art."

Pre-orders open on October 27th at Agonia Records' website.

(source: Varathron)