Which only makes us praise ‘Epistēmē’ even louder.

 

This is indeed the first Bulgarian black metal album that starts on such a high note, continues thundering ever forward only to end in a most Apocalyptic fashion. In other words, ‘Epistēmē’ is the first truly excellent Bulgarian black release and indeed one of the best extreme albums this year.

 

Truth be told, we’ve been expecting this album, or rather praying for it for some time now. Because DIMHOLT are anything but a new project. We got their demo ‘Aegri Somnia’ some 12 years ago, enjoyed quite a few of the ferocious live performances and came quite disappointed with their debut ‘Liberation Funeral’ (2014) - a collection of great tracks, buried under an awful production.

 

Happy to say - no such mistakes this time. The pummeling but well balanced and crystal clear sound has been crafted by multi instrumentalist (and close DIMHOLT collaborator) Déhà. And it’s no mere coincidence we start this review with a description of the production quality - for no modern, avant-garde, (post) black metal act can manage without a very, very crisp sound

 

In a way, ‘Epistēmē’ is a continuation and development of what we heard in ‘Liberation Funeral’ but in a way - it’s much more. It sees DIMHOLT making not one, but rather ten shags forward all at once, elevating themselves to the same league as bands like BLUT AUS NORD and SCHAMMASCH. And what’s even better is DIMHOLT hardly copy anyone but rather develop their own sound.

 

The excellent score suggest no filler here but we still have to highlight the mirky atmosphere of ‘Nether’, the mighty chorus in ‘The Martyr’s Congregation’, the highly psychedelic and mighty ‘Into Darker Serenity’ and the twisted beauty of ‘Reliquae’. Layered, aggressive and with a slight melodic edge, ‘Epistēmē’ is a true treat.

 

We didn’t call its ending “Apocalyptic” for nothing. It is only fitting for a track like ‘Aletheia’ - a fast paced black massacre, transgressing into a pulsating, disharmonic prayer (or a spell of sorts) sung/roared/screamed by frontman TODOR KRASIMIROV (whose vocals are one of the highlights of the album) and their constant supporter DÉHÀ.

 

 

But the dark shadow of ‘Epistēmē’ is even longer and daker - ANGEL SIMTCHIEV (MYTRIP, EXPECTATIONS, KING OF SORROW) did four ambient variations, collected under the name ‘R:epistēmē’. ‘All’, ‘Into Blissful Serenity’, ‘Truth’ and ‘Ether’ feel like floating on the icy waves of an underground cavern, with the sounds of ‘Epistēmē’ echoing around.

 

A truly great experience, no less.