In dire times like these, it’s important to be aware of the monsters living and ruling this planet of ours, help the victims that survive on the streets, and keep on fighting for freedom and independence no matter the enemy.
A message of that sort is what I initially gathered listening to the Greek black metal outfit Θλίψις’s (Thlipsis) second EP, Servants of Apathy. The band decided to speak about topics that should be mainstream in times like these, where war isn’t taken seriously anymore, highlighting the current situation of Palestine and the horrors that weep in Israel at this point in time. Melodies and screaming vocals give this EP such a good platform to present a topic like this, where blast beats, followed by eerie guitar riffs, represent the vile imagery of war.
Vocals, and the works of “Tumultus” & “Felix Argus,” beautifully describe this nightmare that is happening in the world currently, their voices breaking in part out of the sheer aggression and passion they have toward the EP’s topic. “Reactive’s” bass fits really well into these tracks, especially in “Lament of a Dying Land” where the low notes blend seamlessly into the structure of the song. Despite the fact that this is classified as an underground release, I’m still amazed that the production value of this EP is as good as it is, since every instrument perfectly sits in the mix, especially highlighting “N.D.’s” chaotic drumming sections in the opening track “Servants Of Apathy“.
The EP’s closing track, “Ξυράφια Απελπισίας“, translated “Razors of Despair“, stands as a moment of utter loss of hope, a realization of emptiness and regret. This is one of those tracks that shares a message of how disconnected we as humans have become from the realities of Impoverishment, and the musicianship carried on this song beautifully describes this hollow feeling of despair.
Θλίψις alarms the folk, urging them to be conscious of the evil, both musically and thematically. Servants of Apathy is an EP that doesn’t only observe suffering from a distance but demands that the people engaging with it acknowledge the whole picture and question the indifference that allows it to persist. In an era where so many bands avoid politically charged topics, Θλίψις dedicates three strong tracks that show the struggle of the Palestinian people, using second-wave-inspired black metal as a vessel for something urgent and deeply human.
Θλίψις (Thlipsis) – “Servants of Apathy” released on January 25th, 2025, via FYC Records.
Track listing:
1. Servants Of Apathy
2. Lament Of A Dying Land
3. Ξυράφια Απελπισίας
Watch “Servants of Apathy” official music video here:
Source: metaladdicts.com
