Production, production, production. I know I keep coming back to this word, but it makes the world of difference if you can actually hear what is being played rather than sit and think to yourself “was this recorded up someone’s bottom”?
Thankfully, this was mixed by Neil Kernon, so even before popping the disc in the tray; you know that you are at least in for a solid production.
On this, their third album, Akercocke also have the songs to back it up. It is difficult to label them a particular style of metal as they throw all styles into the mixing bowl and come up with something truly unique. They are maybe more Death oriented than Black, but they still create a holy racket.
Opener, “Praise the name of satan” crashes in after an eerie sound clip and it’s clear from the outset that Akercocke mean business. Blast beats assault the listener from all directions and the vocals are downright scary. The vocals are used as an instrument and not just as something that has to be there for the sake of it. They carry the songs and as a result the music has a new depth that wasn’t present on the earlier stuff. Perhaps that’s the reason why I didn’t appreciate the earlier stuff. That and of course the dodgy production.
These songs slay on disc, so I am looking forward to seeing how they come across in a live situation when they support Arch Enemy over here in December.
I can’t really say much more about this album apart from the fact that I love it. Somebody recently said that there is something on this album for everyone who likes metal music in general. I would disagree with that statement as this is an extreme album in every sense of the word and some people might not be able to get their heads around the vocal style. However if you do like your metal extreme and aren’t afraid of a little experimentation, this is the CD for you.
It’s nice to see the British underground scene offering some competition to the Americans and Swedes. Apparently the new Mithras is rather good if anyone wants to send me a copy.
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