Thelemite - Powers Of Darkness (2025) Hi-Res

Thelemite's fourth full-length album, Powers Of Darkness, released on May 9, 2025, is considered their most mature and refined work to date. The Greek melodic metal band blends hard rock influences reminiscent of Europe, neoclassical elements akin to Yngwie Malmsteen, and the anthemic sound of bands like W.A.S.P. and Dokken, alongside the grit of Judas Priest, Dio, and Ozzy. The album also features a theatrical streak drawing comparisons to Alice Cooper and Savatage, with touches of melodic power metal in the vein of Fifth Angel and Crimson Glory.

Forgotten Scroll notes that despite the variety in tone and style, Powers of Darkness flows as a singular musical narrative, drawing associations with its titular inspiration, Count Dracula. The review highlights the album's ability to blend catchy choruses and shifting riffs with emotional peaks and stylistic range, encompassing hard rock, classic heavy metal, symphonic power, and progressive nuances. Each of the ten tracks is described as a chapter in an epic tale, delivering top-tier musicianship.

The opening track, "Priest of Princes," is described as epic with a dark grandeur reminiscent of Rainbow's era with Ronnie James Dio. The closing track, "Born in the Dark," is noted as a rhythmic and intricate piece in the vein of Savatage, providing a fitting end to the gothic metal narrative. The artwork for the album is once again created by Argentine artist Rodrigo A. Gudiña of Core76 Studio.