REVIEW: TYPHUS - Fate Weaver

 

TYPHUS - Fate Weaver

Sleaszy Rider SRL

Typhus, one of Athens' most promising heavy/thrash metal acts, is not a new name on the Greek scene. The band started in 2009 under a different name, Nuclear Terror. Under that moniker, they released the EP "Contaminated Salvation" in 2014 and gained valuable experience through numerous live performances.

In 2019, the band decided to change direction, both musically and in name, becoming Typhus. Their debut album, "Mass Produced Perfection," was released in August 2020. Five years later, Typhus is making their return with their second full-length album, "Fate Weaver," set for release on October 10, 2025, via Sleaszy Rider SRL. The band's current lineup includes Kostas "Korg" (Vocals, Bass, Keyboards), Kostas Foukarakis (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Stefanos Konstantinou (Guitar, Backing Vocals), and Dimitris Ginis (Drums).

On "Fate Weaver," Typhus makes a significant sonic shift from their debut. While "Mass Produced Perfection" moved in more thrash-oriented paths, here the band embraces a more heavy-power metal style, with clear influences from the American scene. The sound is more melodic and epic, while still maintaining the intensity and dynamism that defines them.

The band seems to have brought elements from legendary U.S. metal acts to the forefront. Influences from Sanctuary are evident in the majestic and powerful song structures, while the raw force and thunderous riffs are reminiscent of Metal Church. At the same time, the complexity of the guitar themes and technical proficiency are reminiscent of Vicious Rumors, as the band seamlessly blends speed and aggression with unpredictable song structures.

Beyond the heavy-power framework, several tracks are imbued with elements of technical and progressive thrash metal, creating a unique and demanding musical result. The band displays technical artistry, at times recalling the style of the legendary Watchtower, combining speed and aggression with complex riffing.

Aside from the excellent compositions, one of the strongest points of "Fate Weaver" is the vocal performance of Kostas "Korg." His voice possesses a dramatic quality that brings to mind the late Warrel Dane (Sanctuary, Nevermore), with an ability to build atmosphere and convey the emotion of the lyrics. Simultaneously, his performance is characterized by an immediacy and passion that recalls Mikael Dahl of Crystal Eyes, lending a dynamism that perfectly fits the album's heavy-power metal style. The combination of these two elements—dramatic flair and raw power—creates a vocal performance that is simultaneously melodic, commanding, and full of intensity.

The production of "Fate Weaver" is one of the elements that fully showcases the band's compositions. The sound is clean and dynamic, without sacrificing its "warmth," allowing each instrument to breathe and be heard distinctly. This is especially important given the technical nature of the compositions, as every riff and every melody receives the necessary emphasis, contributing to the album's overall commanding result.

In conclusion, "Fate Weaver" is a very well-crafted work that manages to uniquely combine the tradition of U.S. metal with a progressive spirit. It is an album that offers many great moments for the listener, highlighting Typhus' abilities and positioning them as one of the most promising acts on the Greek heavy metal scene.

Nick Parastatidis