Yes and no. When you've done so many albums and have gone "the full circle" so to speak, you may want to try your hand at some "earlier style" because after so much time it may feel fresh and cool again to you. To be honest as far as it's not a forced return to the roots I'm happy with it. But if it's forced then not, because nothing good (actually good, great) will come out of it.
I don't consider music as a circle. because there is always something different to try. Yes it would feel good to try what you did 10 years ago because you're in the same mood. but making a replica of those albums is just not appealing to me. 2 or 3 songs are OK but what's the point of getting excited about an album that has no new form of expression or artistic approach to what's going inside of them NOW!
I really really don't want to be offensive, but to me Septic Flesh have some of the most uninspired, repetitive and boring music ever besides 4-5 songs. I remember watching them as opening act to Vader around 2009-2010 and a couple of songs would be great and get me super excited (to the point of downloading their discography the next day to check them out) and the others bore me to death and yawn for Vader to come on stage. I listened to them in the album (and have kept up to date with them) but to me they feel like a "one trick pony" and boring besides the five "hits". Again, don't want to be offensive, but Septic Flesh is the last band I'd think about when talking about inventive and innovation.
there is no problem with knowing your idea no matter how much I disagree.
first, when a piece of music appeals to someone so much it does not mean it will have the same effect of the other audience.for instance, I never ever enjoyed Dream Theater's music in terms of expressionism. Yet they are indeed one of the most creative bands of the last two decades. I just can't relate to their laboratory approach.
second, I agree with you that in Pre-Communion Era Septic Flesh lacked originality and thoughtful direction. but since Communion they have found out they need an identity specific to their own musical direction. that's why Communion and The Great Mass are their most appreciated works.
I've heard people saying Septic Flesh has nothing new to say because symphonic metal is done before. they are indeed fully mistaken. There is no music like Septic flesh around.
lots of people in my country were offended by their song called Persepolis. But I just love it. it feels like I went through a time machine to more than 2000 years ago and I'm watching the flames burning Apadana. not only this song but also many of them sound like you're taken back to ancient times because of their strength in composing.
if you don't like them because they are not guitar riff-oriented, well then that's your taste and I agree about that. but it's the orchestra that plays the main part in their music so I would say it's quite to be expected.
Christos said that in Communion first he wrote the metal music and then added the orchestra. but in The Great Mass he wrote the classical composition first. so it made a huge difference.
it's all a matter of taste but just in case.
here is the list of the songs of The Great Mass and Communion. you found them all to be boring?
1. The Vampire From Nazareth
2. A Great Mass of Death
3. Pyramid God
4. Five-Pointed Star
5. Oceans of Grey
6. The Undead Keep Dreaming
7. Rising
8. Apocalypse
9. Mad Architect
10. Therianthropy
1. Lovecraft's Death
2. Anubis
3. Communion
4. Babel's Gate
5. We the Gods
6. Sunlight Moonlight
7. Persepolis
8. Sangreal
9. Narcissus