Acherontas: Amarta (Formulas of Reptilian Unification Part II)

Acherontas defies easy description. I prefer to think of them as restless, hermetic, strange, challenging, and aggressive. Other words come to mind, but that list is a good start. On this release, the band's eighth, Acherontas continues to explore the terrain introduced in the last release, only this time things are more aggressive, haunting, and strange. Acherontas's fans know that the band sees music not in terms of jamming and performing, but as something more ritualized, esoteric, and magical. Even though this is obviously a black metal album, listeners will hear the band's overall commitment to invoking ideas beyond everyday black metal fare. The album generally succeeds, but casual listeners may find the music too aggressive for their tastes. For those who prefer black metal to press against all convention, this album should hit the spot. Acherontas has always been restless, but this album finds them pushing things in slightly darker directions.

Joining the band on this album are Naas Alcameth (synthesizer) and Indra (additional guitars). The sound is rough, aggressive, and mature. The band, two decades old, has enough experience to know what works and how to make it sound rough and aggressive. For me, Alcameth's synths added a much-needed layer of structure and variety to their generally chaotic sound.

Track Listing:
1. Tablets of Mercury
2. Schism of Worlds
3. I-AM Ness—The Tradition of EYE
4. Sopdet Denudata
5. Yesod Inversum
6. Rosa Andromeda
7. Savikalpa Samadhi
8. Amarta

Added: September 23rd 2017
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 2026
Language: english

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