Album Review: Tethra – Empire Of The Void (Black Lion Records)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Formed in 2008, Tethra is a melancholic death/doom quintet based in Novara, Italy. Having two full-lengths and an EP under their wing, Tethra has gradually honed their gothic death/doom craft over the years, incorporating elements of progressive metal and plunging into the ravine of bleak melodies.

Tethra will release their new album Empire of the Void on 20th March via Black Lion Records. the concept around this new work focuses on the duality between what is hidden inside the depths of the human soul and the vastness sidereal space — both empires of the void.

The atmosphere builds for the intro of Cosmogenesis before Tethra lay the doom down thickly for Cold Blue Nebula. A fitting title as the guitars spread their icy tendrils into the soul, coming from a vast void of glorious nothingness. Blending deep guttural vocals with clean and showcasing an intense flurry of drums and guitars, it’s a spectacular start.

The Gravity triple; Ascension, Aeons Adrift and Ultimo Baluardo show off the versatility of Tethra with varying levels of intensity. Ascension is gloriously epic with some of the albums best melodies, Aeons Drift is chuggy as hell and Ultimo Baluardo is instrumental glory that fills the mind and soul with drifting thoughts.

It’s a similar feeling that the title track gives although here it’s a lot more emotive. Leading to an unexpected cover but one that fits the album’s other-worldly theme.

David Bowie’s iconic Space Oddity gets the Tethra treatment in a truly unique way. It’s recognisable but the doomy mire the band submerge it in gives it a fresh sound. Cleverly done.

The latter part of the album sees Tethra cement the quality of this album. A Light Year Breath’s doom almost too much for the mind to bear although the dual vocals help lighten the load. Dying Signal is no-nonsense heaviness in the thrilling Tethra way before Ison gives us one final doomy riffing epic.

Utterly brilliant.

Tethra – Empire of the Void Full Track Listing:

1. Cosmogenesis
2. Cold Blue Nebula
3. Gravity Pt. I – Ascension
4. Gravity Pt. II – Aeons Adrift
5. Gravity Pt. III – Ultimo Baluardo
6. Empire of the Void
7. Space Oddity (David Bowie Cover)
8. A Light Year Breath
9. Dying Signal
10. Ison

 

 

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Tethra - Empire Of The Void (Black Lion Records)
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