Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa – Mithras Crowned is a black metal band, consisting of sonic sorcerers who all have over a decade’s worth of experience as artists. Now that they’ve released their first EP, Hymns of the Hierophant earlier this year, they are eager to take Europe by storm.
Thematically, the band emphasizes topics, rites, and stories surrounding Mithraism, a monotheistic religion/cult from ancient times. Mithras is the Iranian god of the sun, justice, contracts, and war; and the band channels forces of fury and madness, giving homage to Mithras’ sacred rites, through the art of black metal – retelling archaic epics through sinister and sensational melodies and sonic passages.
Ritual Madness is the opening track for Hymns of the Hierophant – such an epic greeting of huge, chugging riffs and tremolo-picked melodies, crushing bass tones, and relentless drums; the vocals are soon to follow, completing and complimenting the cacophony of beautiful black metal sounds.
There are two interludes on the EP – both are gorgeous, sinister, and mysterious in their own manner, serving as powerful tools of atmosphere before leading into their respective tracks. Emerald Voyage is the first of these, pushing the pace and intensity to the next notch. The atmosphere and energy reminds me of Vektor in certain sections.
Into the Pit is up next and it’s another heavy hitter – fast, groovy, melodic, and monstrous. It kind of reminds me of Melechesh in some ways- that Sumerian vibe, you know?
The interlude for Non Servium is absolutely entrancing and is drenched in Mesopotamian feel, easily transporting one to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Clocking in at over seven minutes, Non Servium itself is an absolute mammoth of a closing track and it keeps the listener captivated throughout with tempo and rhythmic changes, haunting guitar work, and exceedingly interesting songwriting.
It truly is a ritual listening to this EP. The quality of musicianship is undeniably apparent and it is clear that much thought and contemplation went into crafting Hymns of the Hierophant, which absolutely drips with esoteric feel and imagery.
-Lunis Voidbright-