Los Angeles and southern California as a whole may be known for nu-metal and metalcore nowadays, but certainly not black metal. But, I suppose it is fitting that in an image-conscious city such as LA, a symphonic black metal band would arise, heavily clad in corpsepaint and spikes. Sothis have been kicking around for a few years, but this four-song EP is their first recording. For such a new band, they have a solid grasp of the sound they are striving to create, but whether or not you like that sound is a matter of taste.

My first impression of the band upon starting into the song “Hypocrisy” was that there is a heavy resemblance between Sothis and Old Man’s Child, and by relation, Dimmu Borgir. They are a six-piece act, with the usual spread for a sextet in metal – two guitarists, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. The production is easily up to par with a band with label backing. The keyboards are prominent, along with the vocals, although the guitars get the short stick.  I'd make them louder in the mix.   

Right from the beginning of the first song, it is clear where their interests lie. A blast-beat drives the start of the track, while atmospheric keys are laid over the top, eventually giving way to actual keyboard leads. The vocalist Drogoth has that standard-for-the-genre, high pitched, raspy, mechanical voice that occasionally turns into a shriek – like Shagrath (Dimmu), but not quite as deep or effects-laden. “The Memory” starts off epic, yet thrashy, reminding me of Erik Peterson’s Dragonlord project. “Sinister Nation” is more of the same, but even faster than the other two. Dross’ feet must get tired from all of the relentless double-bass pounding. Last up is “Reflections of Old”, which has more swagger than their other tunes, including some backing clean vocals in the chorus. Their songwriting abilities are mature and captivating enough to hold my attention for the full 20 minutes of this demo.

While they certainly are not reinventing the wheel, Sothis do justice to the symphonic black metal leaders they are so sorely emulating, and for rookies, their presentation is very professional. For those that can digest the theatric pomp of Old Man’s Child and newer Satyricon, these guys (and girl) are an act to keep an eye on.