It's been a year and a half since we last got new music from Diatheke, which came in the form of their cover of Extol's "Embraced." Though the band had gained a new permanent member and signed to Rottweiler Records, with the promise of a new album on its way, the camp has been mostly silent. But just in time for the holiday season, the quartet is finally giving us a little taste of what's to come with their version of the classic Christmas carol, "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear."

Longtime fans of the band will notice the new element to the sound, that being new vocalist Peter Watson of Elephant Watchtower and Watson Conspiracy. As a primarily progressive death metal vocalist, Watson immediately makes Diatheke sound even heavier than before. Moments during the song even dip into full-on death metal territory, with blast beats, lightning fast guitars, and incredible shrieks and gutturals. We're also treated to surprising rhythmic changes and symphonic elements throughout, which is sure to keep listeners on their toes. At one point, the song even transitions to a quiet, acoustic sound for a few lines before jumping straight back into the heaviness as the song fades out. The diversity on display during one six-minute Christmas classic is more than welcome, and wholly on brand for the band, who specialize in epic, lengthier tracks that always take the listener on an adventure.

It's always a good time when Diatheke releases new music, and this is no exception. The song is amazing and it tells me that they're at their absolute best. You can be sure that their upcoming album will be one of the best heavy albums of 2024. While you wait, "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" is a good way to satiate the hunger pangs.

- Review date: 12/16/23, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: Rottweiler Records
Album length: 1 track: 5 minutes, 56 seconds
Street Date: December 20, 2023

1. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (5:56)