Review
The third album from Jim Mutilator’s Greek black metal outfit plunges into theatrical grandeur right from its opening notes. Harnessing classic heavy metal songcraft alongside folk cadences and operatic choirs, Gone with the Devil positions itself as a "potent amalgamation of the prior two records' strengths". Critics note that the band steps beyond its underground roots to deliver a more accessible, "romantic reimagining of Hellenic black metal" that balances aggression with triumphant, hook-driven choruses.
Yet this evolution towards epic maximalism has divided opinions. While some praise the album's "grandiose dramatic feel" and dual-guitar harmonies, others find that the hyper-polished production diminishes its kinetic energy. The "glossy veneer" and "mirror-shine polish" are seen by some purists as flatteners of dynamic contrast that make the music feel too sanitized. Still, the consensus points to a confident transition, placing the band’s blackened heart into a sleeker, more cinematic arena.
