When a band releases an eponymous album, it usually means one of three things. Either it's their debut full length, they've run out of ideas/felt the need to have a self-titled album, or they've created an album that they're so proud of that they feel it's a perfect representation of their goals and music. Listening to "On Thorns I Lay," it seems almost certain that the last option is the correct one. The Athenian outfit has been forging their legacy for thirty-one years now and have perhaps their biggest chance at mainstream success by signing with French titans Season Of Mist and they've taken the bull by the horns.

Death/doom can easily be very limited but On Thorns I Lay puts that notion to bed from the get-go with "Fallen From Grace," which begins with a wonderfully cinematic intro, before the metal literally roars its way in. This is the first record to feature singer Petros "Peter" Miliadis, who had the unenviable task of replacing Stefanos Kintzoglou, the previous vocalist of twenty-nine years, but he does a fantastic job, coming across as menacing and monstrous. Other new members Kostas Mexis (bass) and Yoth Iria guitarist Nikolas Perlepe are also in fine form in this outing, with the guitar work shining particularly brilliantly.

As mentioned, there's a striking amount of variation, with an enormous amount of melody throughout the album. For instance, the lead into "Newborn Skies," the only song on the record to clock in at under seven minutes, contains an excellent melodic lead in as well as some faster passages which keep the song moving. "Among The Wolves" takes a more traditional Gothic doom approach, but is extremely rich and conjures a strange, moonlit atmosphere making it as beautiful as it is dark.

It's very hard to pick a song that really stands out on the album. Not because there's a lack of potential, but all six songs are fighting for that spotlight. "Crestfallen" perhaps comes close by combining its vicious nature with a layout so well structured that an extended piano performance can appear and it's totally seamless. Meanwhile "Thorns Of Fire" contains a sinister intro, head nodding grooves, and the use of traditional instruments and sounds, just to really hammer the point in about variety. Finally, there's "Raise Empires," which draws parallels to Primordial with its epic segments and rallying cry vibe.

On Thorns I Lay may be veterans in the Greek scene, but their name is probably new to quite a few metalheads. With their self-titled release, the band are finally in with a shout of being talked about in the same sentences as Rotting Christ and Nightfall as true Hellenic metal legends. "On Thorns I Lay" is an incredible whirlwind from beginning to end which will delight not only fans of death/doom but metal lovers across the spectrum. Season Of Mist has struck gold by snapping up the band at this vital stage of their career and the future looks bright for this Mediterranean sextet.