Akercocke: Antichrist

"Prepare the Goat!" "It's time for your satanic baptism!!!"

Seriously, this is complete soul murder. This opus opens deaths door and kicks your ass right through! The production is going to be the biggest point of contention in assessing this CD. Basically, treble = light and bass = darkness. The theme here--kill the light! This sounds like it was created in a dark underworld where Morbid Angel meets the disturbing feel of Gorguts, absolutely brutal and cruel! Akercocke have lived up to their word and delivered a CD that recalls the brutality found in earlier templates of the Black/Death genre. Don't get me wrong, the ancient textures and electronic experimentation are still there (especially in tracks 1-6) but delivered in a fierce and straightforward fashion are tracks "Man without Faith or Trust" and "Footsteps Resounding in an Empty Chapel". The band is particularly fearless when considering how dry the recording can be at times. The mix really extends a general feeling of discomfort with a grounding rawness being the crowning objective achieved. One thing that has remained the same is the intensity of the performances. Fans of drummer David Gray will rejoice in hearing him pound at click-track certified 280bpm on this album. He also manages to color and compliment (In his Neil Peart kind of manner) many of the slower sections with skilled timing and lyrical flavorings. (This guy is definitely one to watch.) Guitarist Matt Wilcox (love all that sag in the rhythms b.t.w.) continues his schooled splendor with bassist Peter Benajamin adeptly filling the void of the dearly departed Peter Theobalds who was the primary contributor of the bands artwork aesthetic in the past. Also, let's not forget Jason Mendoca who continues his varied vocal stylings and delivers more interesting and solid performances throughout this killer. I should also mention that I have the limited edition release with the Morbid Angel (solo's freakin kill man) and Death covers respectively and those absolutely Destrrrroooy!!! I mean, can you tell me you are not a little curious as to how the band handles Schuldiner and Sandoval? If you have the extra cash, get it soon because it's limited to 8000 pieces worldwide.

I could go on an on, but lets finish this and leave a little intrigue. This is a CD that you will have to accept on its own terms because it does not go out of its way to make it easy for you. Essentially, it is more of a purest in orientation and delivery. I also must make mention…Those of you that still live at home better be careful because your parents will kick your ass out if they hear you crankin' this one! Cool factor #1!!

Best "Original" Tracks: Summon the Antichrist, Axiom and The Dark Inside

Track Listing
1. Black Messiah" - 0:56
2. "Summon the Antichrist" - 5:14
3. "Axiom" - 5:14
4. "The Promise" - 3:36
5. "My Apterous Angel" - 6:52
6. "Distant Fires Reflect the Eyes of Satan" - 2:31
7. "Man Without Faith or Trust" - 3:27
8. "The Dark Inside" - 6:43
9. "Footsteps Resound in an Empty Chapel" - 4:19
10. "Epode" - 2:36
11. "Chapel of Ghouls" (Morbid Angel Cover)
12. "Leprosy" (Death Cover)

Added: July 15th 2007
Reviewer: Hugh Dark
Score:
Related Link: Akercocke Website
Hits: 4489
Language: english

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