Deva Noctua Entropia

DEVA NOCTUA ENTROPIA (formerly known as DIVA NOCTUA ENTROPIA / PANEMBRA) was a melodic Black/Death metal group from Kalamata, formed in the late-1990s. While the early lineup of the band is currently unknown, it appears as if the membership had solidified around the time of their debut full-length album “Transerpentual” (2003). At the time, members included Giorgos “George” Kannas (vocals, guitars), Panagiotis Roumeliotis (bass), Sakis Stamatopoulos (drums) and Stavros Tsotras (keyboards), further joined by a fellow named Alchemist on guitars/samples for the follow-up album “Be Sinking in Marshland” (2005) – although the latter could be one of the old members under a second pseudonym (got a clue? please get in touch!)

Stylistically, DEVA NOCTUA ENTROPIA fits into what some refer to as “carnival Black Metal”, in the sense of the band throwing a little bit of everything into the cauldron – for better or worse. This also extends to the structuring and arranging of the compositions, which often move in unexpected, sometimes disoriented fashion. Since the band’s demo material remains undiscovered, we can’t comment on their early music, even though song/album titles such as “Gigerland”, “Flapdragon” and “Satan-X-Machina” give some hints at their ambitions. By the time of their first album “Transerpentual” (2003), DEVA NOCTUA ENTROPIA could be categorized as melodic Black Metal, although twisted in accordance to their slightly schizoid songwriting, which is further highlighted by the strange production (especially the drums). The second album “Be Sinking in Marshland” moves closer to Death Metal. Epecially the warped guitars recall the later works of IMMOLATION. Allegedly, the band called it quits after having released “Be Sinking…” – at least no further releases has been spotted since.

While probably too modern and “untrue” for old schoolers, the music of DEVA NOCTUA ENTROPIA is actually quite entertaining in smaller doses and might be worth checking out for those who enjoy uninhibited guitar work. As for specific recommendations, the more melodic debut “Transerpentual” is probably a better place to start then the less easily digestible and more fragmentary “Be Sinking in Marshland”. At the time of writing, both albums can easily be obtained for under five euros – like most Sleaszy Rider releases!

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