The international black metal scene has until recently always been dominated by Scandinavian bands filled with young angry ugly Nordic guys. The absolute opposite of the archetype black metal band is Astarte, three beautiful Greek women who sound (and that’s the funny thing) more Nordic than most Scandinavian bands! I don’t know their previous releases but based on what I read they played black metal in the vein of Darkthrone, Bathory and the likes. On Quod Superius, Sicut Inferius (translated: As above, so below) they let us hear black metal that still has the grimness and blackness from the old days, but also some melodic notes. Although they are said to be a women-only band the drums and keyboards are played by men, respectively Ivar and Iraklis (plays in SWAN CHRISTY).

Also worth mentioning is the fact that Spiros from famous SEPTIC FLESH has a guest appearance on vocals. The songs are well played and produced but they could use some recognizable elements that would prevent the album being forgotten as soon as it ends. I listened to this album a dozen times and, although I like it, I still don’t recognize the songs. The album sounds like one very long track with the exception of a relatively short instrumental song named "Sickness", which has an electronic beat in it that sounds really cool and sets it apart from the rest of the album.