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Necromantia

Necromantia was a Greek black metal duo formed in 1989 in Athens, widely regarded as one of the pioneering acts of the Hellenic black metal scene alongside bands like Rotting Christ and Varathron.^[1]^[2] The band's name derives from the Latin term for "divination of the dead," reflecting their thematic focus on satanism, occultism, vampirism, death, magic, and mythology.^[1] Comprising primarily vocalist and bassist The Magus (George Zacharopoulos) and drummer Baron Blood, Necromantia crafted a distinctive sound characterized by raw aggression, atmospheric elements, and innovative use of bass as a lead instrument.^[1]^[3] Active for over three decades, the band released several influential albums before Baron Blood died on November 20, 2019, of a heart attack, prompting the announcement of their split later that year and official disbandment in December 2021.^[1]^[4] Necromantia's early years were marked by the underground metal scene in Greece during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period when the country emerged as a hotbed for extreme metal innovation. Their debut full-length album, Crossing the Fiery Path (1993), established their reputation with its blend of black metal ferocity and occult lyrical depth, released through the French label Osmose Productions.^[5] Follow-up efforts like Scarlet Evil Witching Black (1995) and the EP Ancient Pride (1997) further solidified their status, incorporating epic structures and mythological references that set them apart from Scandinavian black metal contemporaries.^[6]^[7] The duo's minimalist lineup contributed to a gritty, bass-driven sound, often evoking the raw energy of early Bathory while infusing Greek cultural motifs.^[8]^[9] In later years, Necromantia experienced periods of inactivity but returned with projects like the compilation Covering Evil (12 Years Doing the Devil's Work) in 2001 and their long-awaited final album To the Depths We Descend... in 2021, which served as a poignant farewell dedicated to Baron Blood.^[10]^[11] Post-disbandment releases, including the comprehensive box set Epitaph: The Complete Worx (2022) and the 2025 compilation Alpha and Omega - The Coiling Dragon, have preserved their legacy through remastered material and rarities.^[12]^[13] The band's influence endures in the global black metal community, particularly for elevating Greek metal's profile and inspiring subsequent waves of occult-themed extreme music.^[2]^[14]

History

Formation and early years

Necromantia was founded in late 1989 in Athens, Greece, by bassist and vocalist George "The Magus" Zacharopoulos and eight-string bassist Makis "Baron Blood" Kanakaris, with the duo aiming to create original, ritualistic black metal centered on occult and satanic themes.^[15]^[16]^[4] Their early sound was heavily influenced by pioneers of the black metal genre, including Venom and Celtic Frost, which shaped the band's raw, atmospheric approach blending doom-laden riffs and dark mysticism.^[14]^[17] The band's first recording, the Promo Tape 1990 demo, was released in early 1990 shortly after their formation, featuring raw tracks like "Family of Dog (The Feast of Ghouls)" and "De Magia Veterum" that captured their nascent occult black metal style.^[18] This was followed in 1992 by the Vampiric Rituals demo and the split release with Varathron titled The Black Arts / The Everlasting Sins, originally issued on the small Greek label Black Power Records and showcasing Necromantia's contributions such as "Lord of the Abyss" and a live track.^[19] These early tapes established a cult following in the underground scene and led to a signing with Unisound Records, which reissued the Varathron split as Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sins in 1994; the band had already transitioned to the more prominent Osmose Productions for their full-length debut in 1993.^[20]^[15] In their formative period, Necromantia began undertaking initial live performances, often in intimate Athens venues, contributing significantly to the burgeoning Greek extreme metal scene as one of its pioneering acts alongside Rotting Christ and Varathron.^[1]^[14]

Breakthrough and mid-career developments

Necromantia's breakthrough came with the release of their debut full-length album, Crossing the Fiery Path, on December 1, 1993, through the French label Osmose Productions.^[5] This album established the band's raw black metal sound, characterized by aggressive bass-driven riffs and occult-themed intensity, marking a significant milestone in the emerging Greek black metal scene. The record's production, handled at Sin Ena Studio in Athens, captured the duo's unpolished energy and helped solidify their position among early 1990s European underground acts.^[21] In 1994, the band issued the EP From the Past We Summon Thee via Dark Side Records, featuring live recordings from their 1989 inception that showcased their foundational aggression and served as a bridge to their evolving style.^[22] This release, limited to vinyl format with an embossed sleeve, contributed to their growing visibility in the black metal underground by reissuing early material for international audiences.^[23] The following year, 1995, saw further activity with the split release Necromantia / Dark Tranquillity / Diabolos Rising / Enthroned on Osmose Productions, which exposed Necromantia to broader European listeners through shared tracks emphasizing their satanic and atmospheric approach. Concurrently, their second album Scarlet Evil Witching Black, released on November 15, 1995, by Osmose Productions, introduced experimental elements such as saxophone and piano, expanding their sound while maintaining a dark, symphonic edge.^[6]^[24] The late 1990s brought continued development with the mini-album Ancient Pride on January 29, 1997, again via Osmose Productions, which refined their production for a more layered occult atmosphere and included themes of mythology and pride.^[7] This EP, recorded at Sin Ena Studio, highlighted the band's maturation and contributed to their reputation as innovators in Hellenic black metal.^[25] By the early 2000s, Necromantia shifted labels to Black Lotus Records for their third full-length IV: Malice, released on April 30, 2000, at Praxis Studio, where enhanced production emphasized wrathful riffs and a polished yet malevolent tone.^[26] Throughout the 1990s, these releases fostered growing international recognition within the black metal underground, positioning Necromantia as pioneers alongside acts like Rotting Christ and Varathron in defining the Greek scene's diabolical legacy.^[27]

Later releases and disbandment

Following the release of their fourth studio album, IV: Malice, in 2000, Necromantia entered an extended hiatus, during which the band engaged in only sporadic activities.^[1] In 2003, the duo of The Magus and Baron Blood worked on material under the working title Temple of the Skull, but the project remained unreleased and was likely never fully recorded. This period of inactivity reflected personal commitments and the challenges of maintaining the band's unconventional instrumentation amid evolving personal circumstances for the founding members.^[28] The band resurfaced in 2007 with their fifth studio album, The Sound of Lucifer Storming Heaven, released through the German label Dockyard 1 Records.^[29] This comeback effort marked a return to their signature occult-themed black metal sound, incorporating orchestral elements and the dual-bass setup that defined their earlier work, though it received mixed reception for its production compared to prior releases.^[30] A subsequent split release in 2008, ...For the Temple of the Serpent Skull... with Acherontas, featured two new Necromantia tracks—"Magnum Arcanum" and "People of the Sea"—recorded at Hell's Kitchen Studio, providing a brief but potent glimpse of ongoing creativity during this phase. After this, the band again withdrew from consistent output, focusing on occasional live appearances and side projects. The trajectory shifted dramatically with the death of co-founder Baron Blood (Makis Kanakaris) on November 20, 2019, from a heart attack at age 48.^[4] In response, The Magus announced in late November 2019 that Necromantia would conclude with a final tribute recording—an EP titled Baron Blood planned for 2020, consisting of two or three unreleased tracks to honor his legacy—after which the band would disband, with no further releases beyond December 31, 2020.^[31] However, the project expanded into a full-length album, To the Depths We Descend..., released on October 15, 2021, via The Circle Music as a comprehensive epitaph.^[32] This final opus deviated from the band's traditional no-guitar aesthetic by incorporating rhythm guitar from guest musician George Emmanuel alongside The Magus's bass lines, compensating for the absence of Baron Blood's signature 8-string bass contributions while preserving the atmospheric and symphonic intensity.^[33] Necromantia officially disbanded in December 2021, with The Magus declaring that "the band has now descended into the Abyss," closing a 32-year chapter defined by innovative black metal and unwavering dedication to their infernal vision.^[34] Following the disbandment, archival releases such as the box set Epitaph: The Complete Worx (2022) and the compilation Alpha and Omega - The Coiling Dragon (July 17, 2025) have preserved the band's legacy through remastered material, rarities, and interviews.^[35]^[13]

Musical style

Instrumentation and influences

Necromantia's instrumentation is distinguished by its unconventional approach, particularly the signature use of an 8-string bass guitar by Baron Blood as the primary riff instrument, which replaces the traditional rhythm guitar and imparts a deeper, more cavernous tone to their compositions. This setup, present from the band's formation, emphasizes low-end heaviness and allows for complex, guitar-like riffing while maintaining a bass-forward sonic identity.^[15] The band frequently incorporated non-standard elements into their arrangements, such as saxophone and flute, to evoke esoteric atmospheres. On the album Scarlet Evil Witching Black, saxophone—played by Yiannis "The Worshipper of Pan"—features prominently, providing jazzy, dissonant interludes that contrast with the black metal framework, as heard in tracks like "The Arcane Light of Hecate." Flute appearances across their discography further blend folkish textures with occult undertones, enhancing the ritualistic quality of their music.^[24]^[36]^[37] Influences on Necromantia's sound draw heavily from second-wave black metal pioneers like Mayhem and Burzum, whose raw aggression and atmospheric minimalism shaped the Greek scene's intensity, while integrating elements of Greek folk music and classical structures for a regionally distinct flavor infused with occult mysticism. Band founder The Magus has cited older heavy and black metal acts alongside gothic, avant-garde, and classical sources as subconscious inspirations, resulting in a hybrid style that prioritizes diabolical innovation over strict genre adherence.^[17]^[38]^[39] Production evolved notably across their career, beginning with raw, lo-fi aesthetics on early releases like the debut Crossing the Fiery Path, where rough mixing and minimal effects captured a primal, underground urgency. Later works, such as the 2007 album The Sound of Lucifer Storming Heaven, adopted a more polished approach with cleaner engineering at Hell's Kitchen Studios, allowing greater clarity for the 8-string bass and layered arrangements while retaining atmospheric depth.^[40]^[41]^[42] Drummer Fotis Benardo's contributions, particularly from 2007 onward, introduced dynamic blast beats and thrash-inflected rhythms, injecting bursts of speed and technical precision that complemented the band's heavy bass lines and expanded their rhythmic palette beyond standard black metal tempos.^[15]^[43]

Lyrics and thematic elements

Necromantia's lyrics predominantly explore themes of necromancy, Satanism, ancient Greek mythology, and anti-Christian imagery, often portraying the invocation of dark forces and the rejection of Judeo-Christian dogma in favor of pagan and occult empowerment.^[44] For instance, songs reference figures like Hecate, the Greek goddess of witchcraft and crossroads, symbolizing arcane knowledge and nocturnal rituals, while anti-Christian motifs depict Satan as a liberator reclaiming ancient deities demonized by religious imposition.^[45] These elements draw from the Left Hand Path, emphasizing communion with the Abyss and the transformative power of darkness over moral constraints.^[44] The band's occult influences are evident in references to grimoires and historical sorcerers, informing lyrical invocations of forbidden magic and eternal sin.^[44] Titles like those from early material, including "Lord of the Abyss" and "Evil Prayers," reflect this esoteric depth, portraying rituals that summon ghoulish feasts and abyssal lords as pathways to higher, daemonic wisdom rooted in ancient Greek and Egyptian mysteries.^[46]^[44] Lyrically, Necromantia evolved from raw, declarative Satanic proclamations in their early demos—such as those on the Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sin split, which focus on unyielding infernal allegiance and vampiric rites—to more introspective expressions of cultural and spiritual pride in Ancient Pride.^[46] Later works delve into themes of ancestral resilience and nationalist undertones, as seen in lines like "Our gods became your Satan / And Satan became our god," framing pagan heritage as a defiant reclamation against historical oppression.^[44]^[47] This progression maintains a philosophical core, blending personal enlightenment with collective mythological revival.^[44] The Magus's vocal delivery, characterized by harsh, venomous growls, conveys these themes with guttural intensity, often dual-layered to intertwine with bass lines for a symbiotic, abyssal resonance.^[36] This style prioritizes symbolic depth over mere aggression, allowing lyrics to evoke mythological narratives and emotional descent into shadow realms.^[44] The vocals integrate seamlessly with the 8-string bass, enhancing the occult atmosphere through layered, ritualistic timbre.^[36] In their final album, To the Depths We Descend..., thematic consistency persists through motifs of irrevocable plunge into darkness, serving as a solemn tribute to co-founder Baron Blood, with tracks like "As the Shadows Wept (...For Baron Blood)" mourning loss while affirming eternal infernal bonds.^[48] This culmination reinforces Necromantia's legacy of embracing the Abyss as both philosophical journey and artistic eulogy.^[49]^[50]

Members

Final lineup

Following the death of co-founder Baron Blood in 2019, The Magus was the sole remaining core member of Necromantia. The band's final album, To the Depths We Descend... (2021), featured key collaborators George Emmanuel and Yannis Votsis, along with guest appearances from former contributors such as Yiannis Papayiannis and Kostas "Inferno" Matsoukas, as a tribute to Baron Blood and marking the end of the band's activities.^[11]^[51] George "The Magus" Zacharopoulos served as bassist and lead vocalist from the band's inception in 1989 until its disbandment in 2021; as the founder and primary songwriter, he also handled keyboards in the later years and played a pivotal role in shaping the Greek extreme metal scene through his contributions to Necromantia and related projects.^[1]^[16] George Emmanuel contributed guitars and keyboards to the final album in 2021, drawing from his experience in session work with other Greek metal acts like Lucifer's Child.^[11]^[52] Yannis Votsis performed on drums for To the Depths We Descend... (2021), helping maintain the band's raw, atmospheric sound in its concluding phase.^[11]^[51]^[8]

Former members

Necromantia began as a core duo in 1989, with subsequent lineup changes primarily involving session and live musicians to support recordings and performances, as the band frequently rotated drummers and additional instrumentalists due to its project-like nature.^[1] This structure allowed flexibility but highlighted the central roles of the founders until the band's eventual end.^[53] Makis "Baron Blood" Kanakaris, co-founder of the band, played 8-string bass and keyboards from 1989 to 2019, defining much of Necromantia's atmospheric and bass-heavy sound.^[4] He passed away on November 20, 2019, from a heart attack at age 48, an event that directly catalyzed the band's disbandment announcement later that year.^[53]^[4] Fotis Benardo served as drummer from 2007 to 2008, contributing to live shows and select material during a period of renewed activity.^[1] Yiannis Papayiannis, also known as "The Worshiper of Pan," provided percussion and ethnic instruments such as tablas in the early 1990s, including on the debut album Crossing the Fiery Path (1993), before transitioning to occasional session contributions on later releases like the 2021 farewell album.^[5]^[51] Kostas "Inferno" Matsoukas handled keyboards from 1993 to 1997 and offered session support in subsequent years, enhancing the band's occult and symphonic elements, including a contribution to the 2021 album.^[1]^[51] John Fiorentis performed lead guitars sporadically, notably on the 2001 compilation Covering Evil (12 Years Doing the Devil's Work) and various live appearances. Other early contributors included Dave P. on guitars (1989–1997) and Slow Death on backing vocals (1989–1994), both integral to the band's initial expansion beyond the duo format.^[1]

Discography

Studio albums

Necromantia's studio discography spans five full-length albums, released over nearly three decades, showcasing the band's evolution from raw, occult-infused black metal to more atmospheric and symphonic explorations, often incorporating unconventional instrumentation like dual basses and orchestral elements. These releases, primarily through European metal labels, established the band as pioneers of the Hellenic black metal scene, blending satanic and mythological themes with aggressive riffing and ritualistic atmospheres.^[1] The debut album, Crossing the Fiery Path, released in 1993 by Osmose Productions, features 8 tracks and defines the band's raw black metal sound, characterized by blistering tempos, occult lyrics, and a lo-fi production that captures the primal energy of early 1990s extreme metal.^[5] Recorded in Athens, it introduced Necromantia's signature use of bass guitars as the primary melodic instrument, eschewing traditional rhythm guitars to create a dense, demonic wall of sound. Scarlet Evil Witching Black, issued in 1995 also by Osmose Productions, contains 7 tracks and marks an experimental shift, incorporating orchestral horns and atmospheric keyboards alongside the band's bass-heavy approach, resulting in a grandiose, ritualistic black metal aesthetic.^[6] The album's production emphasizes eerie, witching vibes through tracks like "The Arcane Light of Hecate," blending symphonic elements with raw aggression to expand on the debut's foundation.^[54] IV: Malice, Necromantia's third studio effort, was released in 2000 by Black Lotus Records and comprises 8 tracks, evolving the sound toward greater aggression with faster riffs, intense drumming, and a polished yet venomous production that heightens the satanic and vampiric motifs.^[55] This album intensifies the band's core ferocity, incorporating more dynamic structures while maintaining their unconventional instrumentation.^[56] Following a seven-year hiatus, The Sound of Lucifer Storming Heaven emerged in 2007 through The Circle Music, featuring 7 tracks that signal the band's post-hiatus return with refined symphonic black metal, blending orchestral swells and black metal fury in a triumphant, hellish narrative. The release revitalizes Necromantia's style, adding layered arrangements that amplify their occult themes without diluting the raw edge.^[57] The final album, To the Depths We Descend..., published in 2021 by The Circle Music, includes 6 tracks and serves as a tribute to late bassist Baron Blood, encapsulating the band's legacy with brooding, abyssal black metal that descends into mournful yet defiant depths.^[32] Originally conceived as an EP, it delivers a poignant closure, honoring the co-founder's contributions through intense, bass-driven compositions rich in satanic imagery.^[58]

Extended plays and splits

Necromantia's extended plays and split releases represent key moments in their career, often serving as platforms for collaborations with other underground black metal acts and exploring concise, thematic bursts of their occult sound. These releases underscore the band's role in fostering the Greek black metal scene through shared efforts and limited-run formats.^[1] The band's first EP, Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sin, was released in 1992 by Unisound Records and featured three tracks—"Lord of the Abyss," "The Feast of Ghouls," and "Evil Prayers"—that captured their early raw intensity and satanic imagery.^[59] This release also functioned as a split with Varathron, with each band contributing material to highlight emerging Hellenic black metal synergy. A CD reissue followed in 1994.^[20] Ancient Pride, released in 1997 by Osmose Productions, is a 5-track EP delving into themes inspired by ancient Greek mythology and pagan heritage, evoking cultural pride through epic, folk-tinged black metal compositions.^[7] Though shorter in length, it represents a thematic pivot, honoring lost traditions with soaring melodies and ritual chants that briefly reference the band's broader lyrical interests in mythology.^[60] People of the Sea, issued in 1998 by Unisound Records, is a 4-track EP featuring mythological and oceanic themes, continuing the band's exploration of Greek heritage with atmospheric black metal elements.^[61] These works, often limited in scope, prioritized atmospheric depth and collaborative spirit over full-length elaboration, distinguishing them from the band's studio albums.

Demos

Necromantia's early demos were instrumental in establishing their reputation within the European black metal underground, circulating through the tape-trading networks that defined the scene in the early 1990s. These self-produced cassettes showcased the band's innovative use of 8-string bass guitars in place of standard guitars, creating a distinctive, ominous sound that blended raw black metal aggression with occult atmospheres. Over four releases between 1990 and 1993, the demos built anticipation for their full-length debut and attracted attention from labels like Osmose Productions.^[15]^[1] The band's inaugural demo, Promo Tape 1990, was a self-recorded cassette featuring four tracks: "Family of Dog (The Feast of Ghouls)," "De Magia Veterum (The Dawn of the Utter Darkness)," "Faceless Gods," and "Evil Prayers." Released in early 1990, it captured Necromantia's embryonic style and quickly spread via tape trading among European metal enthusiasts, marking their entry into the burgeoning second-wave black metal community.^[62]^[63] In 1992, Necromantia contributed to the split demo The Black Arts / The Everlasting Sins with fellow Greek band Varathron, providing five tracks that highlighted their evolving occult themes and ritualistic intensity: "Lord of the Abyss," "The Feast of Ghouls," "Evil Prayers," "Lycanthropia," and "De Magia Veterum." This release, often referred to in the band's context as Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sin, garnered significant interest from underground labels due to its polished production relative to earlier efforts and the growing buzz around Greek extreme metal. It directly paved the way for their signing to Osmose Productions.^[64]^[15] The Promo '93 tape, issued in 1993, served as an advance preview of material for the upcoming debut album Crossing the Fiery Path, containing three key tracks: "Lord of the Abyss," "The Feast of Ghouls," and "Evil Prayers." Limited in distribution, it targeted promoters and labels to build hype ahead of the band's first official release.^[65] Necromantia's final pre-album demo, Demo '93, emerged later in 1993 and featured two tracks—"The Warlock" and "Les Litanies de Satan"—that would appear on Crossing the Fiery Path. Recorded in a limited run of 500 cassettes, it represented the culmination of their demo era, refining the atmospheric and vampiric elements that defined their sound while solidifying their underground following across Europe.^[66]

Compilations

Necromantia's compilations serve as key archival efforts, gathering demos, rarities, covers, and remastered early recordings to document the band's progression from underground Hellenic black metal pioneers to cult icons. These releases, spanning from the early 2000s to the present, highlight their innovative use of 8-string bass and occult atmospheres while making obscure material accessible to fans, especially after the band's 2019 disbandment. With several notable entries, they emphasize retrospective value over new compositions, often limited in edition to enhance collectibility.^[1] Covering Evil (12 Years Doing the Devil's Work), released in 2001 by Black Lotus Records, marks a milestone retrospective on the band's debut decade-plus. The double-CD package includes one new original track ("My World, Your Hell"), four metal covers (such as Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast" and Omen's "Death Rider"), and a 12-track selection of highlights from prior albums on the second disc, totaling 26 songs that showcase their raw aggression and thematic depth in Satanism and mythology. Its significance lies in bridging Necromantia's early demos with full-lengths, providing context for their evolution and influencing later Hellenic black metal acts through its emphasis on cover versions as homages.^[67] Cults of the Shadow, issued in 2002 by Osmose Productions as a limited digipak edition, compiles and remasters the band's inaugural albums Crossing the Fiery Path (1993) and Scarlet Evil Witching Black (1995) across two CDs, augmented by bonus tracks like "Intro to Les Litanies de Satan." Spanning 22 tracks, it improves audio fidelity from the originals while preserving the symphonic black metal essence, making it an essential archive for understanding their foundational sound influenced by early Bathory and Celtic Frost. This release underscores Necromantia's commercial peak in the early 2000s, aiding preservation amid shifting label dynamics.^[68]^[69] De Magia Veterum, a 2009 limited-edition A5 digibook from Dark Side Records (later reissued on vinyl), focuses on the band's nascent phase by compiling their 1990 promo tape (six tracks, including "Family of Dog (The Feast of Ghouls)" and the 10-minute epic "De Magia Veterum") alongside four bonus cuts from the 1992 split LP with Varathron. Clocking in at around 50 minutes, it captures the primitive, lo-fi black metal of their pre-album era, significant for revealing the duo's experimental bass-driven approach before wider recognition. The compilation's rarity—limited to 500 copies initially—highlights its role in unearthing proto-Hellenic metal artifacts.^[70]^[71] The 2018 Chthonic Years / Demo Collection, a 2CD digisleeve from Iron Pegasus Records, aggregates Necromantia's complete early demos (1990's promo, 1992's Vampiric Rituals, and 1993's promo) into 20 tracks, including staples like "Faceless Gods" and "Evil Prayers." Limited to 500 hand-numbered copies with embossed artwork, it archives their underground origins with raw production that emphasizes occult lyrics and minimalist instrumentation, proving instrumental in educating newer generations on the band's influence within the second-wave black metal scene.^[72] Nekromanteion - A Collection of Arcane Hexes, a 2014 split compilation with Necromancy on Soulseller Records, features eight early Necromantia tracks (such as "De Magia Veterum" and "Lycanthropia") alongside Necromancy's contributions, forming a 40-minute tribute to shared Greek black metal heritage. Released as a vinyl and digital set, its curatorial approach—pairing rarities from both acts—amplifies Necromantia's archival impact by contextualizing their sound within the regional scene, though focused more on thematic unity than exhaustive discography.^[73] Epitaph: The Complete Worx, released in 2022 by The Circle Music as a 9-LP box set (also available on CD), compiles the band's entire discography across nine discs, including all studio albums, EPs, demos, and rarities, fully remastered with new artwork depicting demonic entities. Limited editions include colored vinyl variants. This comprehensive collection serves as a definitive epitaph following the band's disbandment.^[12] Unholy Relics of the Ancients, a 2024 limited digipak compilation from Metal Star Records (333 copies), gathers rare and previously unreleased tracks from the band's early years, including "Magnum Arcanum" and "People of the Sea," bundled with a book on their history. It highlights obscure material tied to ancient themes.^[74] Alpha and Omega - The Coiling Dragon, released on July 17, 2025, by Darkness Shall Rise Records as a 2CD A5 digibook, compiles all pre-1993 recordings, including the 1990 promo, split tracks, and demos, spanning 13 tracks of early occult black metal. Limited editions include signed copies with bonuses, preserving the foundational era as of 2025.^[13] These compilations collectively safeguard over 100 tracks of Necromantia's output, often incorporating outtakes and live elements absent from studio albums, ensuring their esoteric legacy persists beyond the hiatus following the unreleased 2003 project.^[1]

References

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Necromantia - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
Jul 25, 2002 · Necromantia, a Greek black metal band formed in 1989, split up in 2021. Their name means "Divination of the Dead".Crossing the Fiery Path · Scarlet Evil Witching Black · To the Depths We Descend...
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Necromantia – To the Depths We Descend - Teeth of the Divine
Nov 2, 2021 · Necromantia, along with legendary acts Rotting Christ and Varathron, is widely regarded as being one of the pioneers of the unique Greek Black ...Missing: What | Show results with:What<|control11|><|separator|>
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Necromantia - The BNR Metal Pages
Feb 22, 2008 · Necromantia is probably Greece's most well-known black metal bands, as well as the main home for Magus Daoloth, arguably the most popular Greek metal figure of ...Missing: What | Show results with:What
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Necromantia - Crossing the Fiery Path - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Mar 17, 2025 · "Crossing the Fiery Path" by Necromantia is a full-length album released on December 1st, 1993, by Osmose Productions, including tracks like " ...
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Necromantia - Scarlet Evil Witching Black - Encyclopaedia Metallum
"Scarlet Evil Witching Black" is a full-length album by Necromantia, released on November 15th, 1995, by Osmose Productions. It includes tracks like "Devilskin ...
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Necromantia - Ancient Pride - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Ancient Pride is an EP by Necromantia, released on January 29th, 1997, by Osmose Productions. It includes tracks like 'Shaman' and 'Ancient Pride'.
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Necromantia: The Alpha And Omega - in Interviews ( Metal ...
Sep 26, 2021 · Necromantia was formed in 1989 and soon became known as one of the pioneering forces of Greek black metal. Their debut album, "Crossing The ...
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Necromantia - The Sound Of Lucifer Storming Heaven
Although never as popular as Darkthrone or Immortal, Greek duo Necromantia is among the pioneers of the second wave of black metal, having been founded in ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Necromantia - Covering Evil (12 Years Doing the Devil's Work)
Sep 8, 2023 · "Covering Evil" is a 2001 compilation album by Necromantia, released on Black Lotus Records as a limited edition 2CD with 3000 copies.
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Necromantia - To the Depths We Descend... - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Sep 12, 2021 · "To the Depths We Descend..." is a full-length album released on November 25th, 2021, as a limited edition box set of 2 vinyls with 134 copies.
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Necromantia - Epitaph: The Complete Worx - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Apr 14, 2022 · Necromantia · 1. The Utter Darkness, 29:47, Show disc notes · 2. The Black Arts, 20:49, Show disc notes · 3. Crossing the Fiery Path, 47:13, Show ...
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Necromantia - Alpha and Omega - The Coiling Dragon
Jul 17, 2025 · "Alpha and Omega - The Coiling Dragon" is a compilation released on July 17th, 2025, including tracks like "Family of Dogs" and "De Magia ...
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Thy Mighty Contract: A Guide to the Hellenic Black Metal Scene
Jun 6, 2019 · Necromantia did not quite have the same sound as Rotting Christ/Varathron, but they were unique in their use of two ...
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NECROMANTIA - OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS Extreme Music
The band was created in late 1989 by two like minded individuals: The Magus (bass/vocals) and Baron Blood (8-string bass). Their aim was to create original, ...Missing: Unisound | Show results with:Unisound
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George Zacharopoulos - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
Apr 9, 2011 · 1992, The Black Arts / The Everlasting Sins (Split), Bass, Vocals, Songwriting (track 5) (as "Morbid"). 1993, Demo '93 (Demo), Bass, Vocals (as ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Baron Blood - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Apr 14, 2011 · Necromantia ; 1992, Vampiric Rituals (Demo), Bass (8-string) ; 1992, The Black Arts / The Everlasting Sins (Split), Bass (8-string) ; 1993, Demo ' ...
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Mar 25, 2020 · The gap in black metal history between Venom and the Norwegian scene is fascinating. ... While Rotting Christ's earliest demo material pre-dates ...
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Promo Tape 1990 - Review by Forever Underground
Nov 30, 2022 · On this very first demo are all the members of the first version of Necromantia and they all seem to have understood perfectly the essence of the sound they ...
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Necromantia - Vampiric Rituals - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Nov 7, 2004 · "Vampiric Rituals" by Necromantia is a 1992 demo on cassette, including tracks like "Lord of the Abyss", "The Feast of Ghouls", and "De Magia ...
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Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sins - Varathron - The Metal Archives
Jun 1, 2014 · Necromantia / Varathron ; Type: Split ; Release date: September 1994 ; Catalog ID: US 010 ; Label: Unisound Records ; Format: CD ...
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https://www.discogs.com/release/24829040-Necromantia-Crossing-The-Fiery-Path
[22]
From the Past We Summon Thee - Necromantia - The Metal Archives
Mar 17, 2025 · "From the Past We Summon Thee" is a 1994 Necromantia EP on 7" vinyl, with tracks "Faceless Gods", "Lycaon's Metamorphosis", and "La Mort".<|control11|><|separator|>
[23]
https://www.discogs.com/master/65958-Necromantia-From-The-Past-We-Summon-Thee
[24]
https://www.discogs.com/release/8114385-Necromantia-Scarlet-Evil-Witching-Black
[25]
https://www.discogs.com/master/65961-Necromantia-Ancient-Pride
[26]
https://www.discogs.com/release/367905-Necromantia-IV-Malice
[27]
Necromantia: The Alpha And Omega - Metal Underground.com
Sep 26, 2021 · Necromantia was formed in 1989 and soon became known as one of the pioneering forces of Greek black metal. Their debut album, "Crossing The ...
[28]
Necromantia - Wikipedia
Necromantia was a Greek black metal band that was founded in 1989 in Athens. Alongside Rotting Christ and Varathron, they are considered to be pioneers.
[29]
Interview to George Magus of Necromantia - Arsenal Del Metalero
Jul 10, 2012 · Interview to George Magus of Necromantia. Interview by Luis Landeo ... Necromantia have practicly 22/23 years like band and is a great ...Missing: founders Zacharopoulos Makis Baron Blood Kanakaris
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Necromantia - The Sound of Lucifer Storming Heaven
Nov 7, 2007 · Release date: November 19th, 2007 ; Catalog ID: DY 100666 ; Label: Dockyard 1 Records ; Format: CD ; Reviews: 3 reviews (avg. 70%).
[31]
https://www.extreminal.com/necromantia-to-release-one-last-ep-baron-blood-and-disband/
[32]
NECROMANTIA To Release One Last EP 'Baron Blood' And Disband
Nov 27, 2019 · Following the sad news of Baron Blood's passing, Greek black metal band Necromantia have announced the release of a new EP in 2020, ...
[33]
To the Depths we descend - necromantia / the magus - Bandcamp
NECROMANTIA will release their final opus "To the Depths we descend" on CD/LP/TAPE as a tribute to Baron Blood in Fall 2021. music · discography · Track artwork ...
[34]
https://www.metaltalk.net/necromantia-release-a-fitting-epitaph-for-baron-blood.php
[35]
Necromantia release a fitting epitaph for Baron Blood - MetalTalk
Oct 6, 2021 · ... Necromantia announced that they were disbanding. There would be one final EP dedicated to Baron Blood scheduled for 2020. It was delayed to 2021 ...
[36]
NECROMANTIA To Release Last EP & Disband
Nov 26, 2019 · Afterwards Necromantia will be officially disbanded, therefore there will be no more releases or re-releases beyond December 31, 2020. After ...
[37]
Necromantia - Scarlet Evil Witching Black - Reviews
It is also easy to understand that Necromantia are also inspired from classical and jazz music, as they use piano, acoustic guitar and even a saxophone!The ...Prev · Next
[38]
Necromantia - CD | RUKAHORE SHOP
... unconventional instruments like the saxophone and flute. Their debut album, "Crossing the Fiery Path," was released in 1993, followed by "Scarlet Evil ...
[39]
TEMPLE OF OMEGA - NECROMANTIA Interview 1994
An old interview with Magus Wampyr Daoloth aka The Magus aka Morbid found under a pile of ancient correspondence thought lost.<|control11|><|separator|>
[40]
Interview with THE MAGUS - ANTICHRIST Magazine
Oct 19, 2023 · What prompted the shift from Necromantia to THE MAGUS? How did the loss of Baron Blood impact this decision, and how did it shape the direction ...Missing: Zacharopoulos Makis Kanakaris
[41]
Necromantia - Crossing the Fiery Path - Reviews - The Metal Archives
The rough production and borderline hissing vocals pair wonderfully with this, and what's nice is that things always feel natural. Competent leads tend to poke ...Prev · Next
[42]
Necromantia - Crossing the Fiery Path (1993) - Lycanthropia.net
'Crossing The Fiery Path' has a simple production that lets the music come through unhindered by too much studio magic. It's raw but melodic, agrressive but ...
[43]
Necromantia - The Sound of Lucifer Storming Heaven
Jun 24, 2014 · Recording information: Recorded and mixed at Hell's Kitchen studio during July - October 2007. Produced by Necromantia. Identifiers: Barcode ...
[44]
Necromantia - To the Depths We Descend... - Reviews
Now, before I go any further, the bass sound is obviously a key component to Necromantia, in this case a cleaner, warm and yet crushing tone delivers those ...
[45]
Interview with The Magus from Necromantia
Feb 26, 2023 · Interview with The Magus from Necromantia. by Brett Stevens on February 26, 2023. Founding member of Greek cult black metal band Necromantia The ...Missing: George Zacharopoulos Makis Kanakaris
[46]
Necromantia Lyrics (8 Songs) - Metal Kingdom
Necromantia 8 songs lyrics: Devilskin, Black Mirror, Pretender To The Throne (Opus I: The Usurper's Spawn), The Arcane Light Of Hecate, Scarlet Witching ...
[47]
Interview With Sadistik Fornicator of Necromaniac - Hessian Firm
Jul 22, 2025 · While occult themes are common within Metal, your lyrics show a lot of research, with references to individuals such as St. Cyprian of Antioch ...
[48]
Necromantia / Varathron - Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sins
Written based on this version: 1994, CD, Unisound Records. Though the version I'm reviewing here is the 1994 Unisound CD reissue, The Black Arts/The ...
[49]
Necromantia – Ancient Pride Lyrics - Genius
Ancient Pride Lyrics: The glory of your love / Is built upon our people's pain / And your glory is painted red / Of our noble blood you shed / You came and ...
[50]
Album Review: Necromantia - To The Depths We Descend...
Oct 15, 2021 · To The Depths We Descend… is a varied album. It is made up of eight songs which includes six original compositions (including two instrumentals) ...
[51]
ALBUM REVIEW: Necromantia – To The Depths We Descend…
Oct 9, 2021 · The tribal rhythms and innovative musicianship is absolutely excellent and for a band with such a recognisable sound to still be unpredictable ...Missing: instrumentation | Show results with:instrumentation
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Review: "Necromantia: To The Depths We Descend…"
Nov 5, 2021 · An album born out of tragedy, To The Depth We Descend… is both the final release from black metal legends Necromantia and a tribute to the ...
[53]
Necromantia - To The Depths We Descend - Metal Temple
With the passing of Baron Blood, NECROMANTIA has announced they have disbanded. Their final album, "To the Depths We Descend . . .," is the band's tribute ...
[54]
Release date for Necromantia's - "To The Depths We Descend..."
You are currently viewing Release date for Necromantia's – “To The Depths We Descend… ... Line up for this album: -The Magus: bass, vocals, keys. -George Emmanuel ...
[55]
Necromantia - The Circle Music
Feb 21, 2021 · A source of inspiration for younger bands, breaking boundaries and expanding the Necro universe. In 2019 Baron Blood departed from this world.
[56]
https://www.metal.de/reviews/necromantia-iv-malice-1419/
[57]
Scarlet Evil Witching Black | NECROMANTIA - Osmose Productions
€7.00 Free delivery9RnK7 One of my favorite black metal albums, very unique. The combination of the vocal style, atmosphere, and bass-heavy riffs is a recipe for perfection.Missing: 1995 | Show results with:1995
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20 Years Ago: NECROMANTIA release Ancient Pride (the wolf, the ...
Jan 29, 1997 · Necromantia's 'Ancient Pride' was released in 1997, between 'Scarlet Evil Witching Black' and 'IV: Malice', and was a tribute to lost ancient ...
[59]
https://www.discogs.com/release/1953734-Necromantia-Varathron-Black-Arts-Lead-To-Everlasting-Sins
[60]
Necromantia - IV:Malice Review - metal.de
€9.99It is voilent, aggressive and twisted the way that Necromantia know how to do it! ... Necromantia - IV Malicebei amazon9,99 € · Weitere Angebote » · Zur ...
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NECROMANTIA "Malice" & "The Sound of Lucifer Storming Heaven ...
Dec 17, 2015 · The complete new edition of “Malice” & “The Sound of Lucifer Storming Heaven” from Greek cult band NECROMANTIA under CD & Vinyl.
[62]
https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Necromantia/Promo_Tape_1990/10552
[63]
https://www.discogs.com/release/8246700-Necromantia-Necromantia-Demos-1990-1993
[64]
New EP from NECROMANTIA in 2020 as tribute to Baron Blood!!
Nov 26, 2019 · Few days after Baron Blood passed away Hellenic Black Metal legends NECROMANTIA announce a new EP entitled 'Baron Blood'.
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Necromantia - Promo Tape 1990 - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Jan 3, 1990 · Necromantia discography (demos). Vampiric Rituals (1992), >. Necromantia discography (all). Vampiric Rituals (1992), > · Promo Tape 1990.
[66]
https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Necromantia/Demo_%252793/23985
[67]
Necromantia / Varathron - The Black Arts / The Everlasting Sins
May 17, 2015 · Necromantia / Varathron ; Type: Split ; Release date: May 17th, 2015 ; Catalog ID: B.V.026 ; Version desc.: Limited edition, 2 colors, Reissue, Die ...
[68]
Necromantia - Promo 1993 - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal ...
1. Lord of the Abyss, 07:50, Show lyrics. (loading lyrics...) · 2. The Feast of Ghouls, 05:33, Show lyrics. (loading lyrics...) · 3. Evil Prayers, 05:43, Show ...
[69]
Necromantia - Demo '93 - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Necromantia discography (demos). < · Vampiric Rituals (1992). Necromantia discography (all). < · The Black Arts / The Everlasting Sins (1992), Promo 1993 (1993) ...
[70]
https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Necromantia/De_Magia_Veterum/769443
[71]
Necromantia - Cults of the Shadow - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Necromantia ; Type: Compilation ; Release date: October 14th, 2002 ; Catalog ID: OPCD 135 ; Version desc.: Digipak, Limited edition ; Label: Osmose ...
[72]
https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Necromantia/Chthonic_Years_-_Demo_Collection/717615
[73]
Necromantia - De Magia Veterum - Encyclopaedia Metallum
Mar 28, 2019 · Necromantia ; Type: Compilation ; Release date: December 2009 ; Catalog ID: N/A ; Version desc.: Limited edition, A5 digibook ; Label: Dark Side ...
[74]
https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Necromantia/Unholy_Relics_of_the_Ancients/1244472
[75]
Chthonic Years / Demo Collection - Necromantia - The Metal Archives
May 31, 2018 · The compilation includes 'Family of Dog', 'De Magia Veterum', 'Faceless Gods', 'Evil Prayers', 'Lycanthropia', 'La Mort', 'The Warlock', 'Les ...
[76]
Nekromanteion - A Collection of Arcane Hexes - The Metal Archives
Jul 19, 2017 · Necromantia / Necromancy · 1. Necromantia - Family of Dog (The Feast of Ghouls), 04:52 · 2. Necromantia - De Magia Veterum (The Dawn of Utter ...