AKERCOCKE „Antichrist”

Music: Progressive Death Metal
Country: United Kingdom
Web site: www.akercocke.com


Cool Songs: Summon the Antichrist, Distant Fires Reflect in the Eyes of Satan, Axiom

London, England’s Akercocke is a highly unique band. These satanic suits surely fall into the category of death metal, but their approach is like none other. Even at the beginning of their career when their musical style adhered to the norm of black and death metal, still there was something different about this band. A satanic death metal band performing in suits was out of the ordinary, to say the least. It was like watching Wall Street extol the praises of Satan through extreme metal. The group later began experimenting with its music to create what we now know as the definitive Akercocke sound. Do not expect any conventionality on their latest opus “Antichrist”.

Akercocke is not a solitary entity in the death metal universe. Progressive death metal artists such as Opeth have mastered the art of diverse instrumentation. Akercocke differentiates itself from these artists in their arrangements. Where bands like Opeth and Into Eternity follow a fairly stringent formula pertaining to tempo and mood changes, Akercocke is quite random. Like the grisly details reveled in page after page in Dante’s “Inferno”, you never know what to expect on “Antichrist.”

Akercocke maintains their legacy of brutality through incendiary guitar riffs, blast beats and double bass drums played at supersonic speeds, hellish shrieks and abysmal growls; however, the quartet always land on tranquil, often mesmerizing terrain. “Summon the Antichrist” allows the group to show off their new drum talent, David Gray of The Berzerker, whose blinding speed proves difficult to follow. The tempo slows and Jason Mendonça adjusts to his clean vocal style. If Satan worshippers have a parallel to Christian gospel singing, Mendonça’s moments of vocal clarity would be it. “Axiom” and the acoustic-guitar-led track “Epode” offer more instances of Medonca’s strong singing voice. The later track recalls Anathema’s Vincent Cavanagh.

Blatant devil worship has always been a trademark of Akercocke’s albums. All the elements presented on “Antichrist” fit well for a black mass. “Black Messiah” brings in the album with harsh, black noise and twisted, undistinguishable voices. Barbaric, tribal sections further realize this occult vibe. “Distant Fires Reflect in the Eyes of Satan” utilizes horns, primal percussion and group chants, instilling an ancient, biblical mysticism.

Whether grinding off your face or lulling you into an opiate-like slumber, Akercocke plays with exceptional skill. “Antichrist” has much to offer from the memorable riffs to the enchanting atmospheres. It is a good album. Period! Along with The Berzerker’s “Animosity”, “Antichrist” proves Earache still has a monopoly on death metal talent.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1. Black Messiah
2. Summon the Antichrist
3. Axiom
4. The Promise
5. My Apterous Angel
6. Distant Fires Reflect the Eyes of Satan
7. Man Without Faith Or Trust
8. The Dark Inside
9. Footsteps Resound In An Empty Chapel
10. Epode
Total playing time 41:28

Line-up

Jason Mendonça – Guitar, Vocals
Matty Wilcock – Guitar
Pete Benjamin – Bass, Keyboards
David Gray – Drums