Thokkian Vortex are a black metal band from the US and this is their second album.
Featuring an ex-member of Ancient, Thokkian Vortex deliver 45 minutes of second wave-inspired black metal.
The core of Thokkian Vortex’s music is grim and cold, largely adhering to the classic black metal template laid down decades ago. It’s played and delivered very well, however, so this is nothing to complain about at all.
The majority of the vocals are traditional screams, although other styles are used now and again, (including death growls on one track and cleans on the Black Widow cover that sits at track nine).
The songs are well-written with a focus on hooks and catchy memorability. Occasional synths, piano, and blackened melodies appear, adding texture when they do. I also particularly enjoy the solos that are splashed around like vibrant snatches of colour. Flutes appear on the cover, and acoustic guitars are used on the closing instrumental. Overall, within the band’s blackened framework, it’s a relatively diverse collection of tracks that they’ve assembled here.
Fans of 90s black metal should definitely check this out. Thy Throne Is Mine is a solid slice of early 90s darkness.
Wonderbox Metal 