By Phil Cooper
Lotan. The seven headed dragon, origin of chaos and the instigator of war against the cosmic order. Also, the new melodic black metal outfit formed primarily of members of Vanir and featuring others from Ethereal Kingdoms when it comes to live duties. Drawing together elements of hard-hitting death and thrash metal, sweeping melodic layering from symphonic metal and an over-arching atmospheric darkness from black metal. Lotan have cooked up a five-track EP to introduce their sound to the world at large.
As the EP launches into opener ‘Wolfpack’ the heavy weight undertones of death metal are clearly identifiable and they are equally matched with the furious aggression of the black metal spectrum. It rattles through at a high pace throwing out distorted riffs and blast beats a plenty. All the while there is a solid melody engaged by the vocals that keeps the music on a set unified path. ‘Acta Non Verba’ matches the intensity of the opener but ups the melodic elements with the guitar attack delivering a well-constructed mix of punishing riffs and rapid-fire lead lines. With some call and response like vocal phrasing in the chorus sections there’s an extra element to add to the sonic interest.
‘Tenebrae Subit’ for me is the standout of the EP. Opening with an atmospheric thunderstorm, a powerful double kick pattern introduces a punishing wall of sound from the full band. The riffs fly out thick and fast combining a catchy rhythmic pattern that locks in with the drum beat as well as a thickly layered melodic texture. The blast beat breakdowns form the pre-chorus that then open out into an all-encompassing rich texture containing the vocal hook. It’s a track which successfully showcases a wealth of metal elements taking cues from the musician’s respective backgrounds of thrash, death, black and symphonic metal. There’s a bit of something for everyone and when executed to the high standard that it is, really draws attention to the potential of this newly formed band.
Lyrically the subject matter is a mix between existentialism, spiritualism with a satanic leaning and an overthrow of the order that causes oppression. With the vocals taking on the heavy and dark subject matter that it does, the music needs to match up and compliment the themes. It certainly does that within the five tracks present. Suitable crushing riffs and rhythms support the guttural vocal deliveries accentuating their content.
It’s a strong start to 2021 for metal and a strong start for Lotan too. ‘Nihil Sacrum’ is to be the first of a number of EPs from the band; with the high calibre of technical ability matched with their creative talents, the hopes are high for the next instalments. For those that like their metal on the darker side while maintaining a sense of engaging, melody driven aggression, Lotan are a must.
- ‘Nihil Sacrum’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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