Cult looked back a little and found something unique and interesting. If Akercocke is new to you then here's a chance to get to know them a little better...
Akercocke (2005- Earache Records)
Words that go Unspoken, Deeds that go Undone
Words that go Unspoken, Deeds that go Undone
Cult's Thoughts...
Drenched in shadows and muted grey tones it's hard to know what to expect from this album in only looking at its cover (unless of course you are lucky enough to have previous auditory experience of Akercocke's work) unlike other releases in the same genre bloody images and vivid scenes of carnage are absent, images that usually, let’s face it, let the listener know exactly what they are in store for.
The meaning behind the band's name is intriguing, and doesn't appear in any Thesaurus that I've sifted through lately. Apparently Akercocke is the name of a talking monkey in (an English poet) Robert Nye's adaption of the Faust legend. So what are we therefore to expect from this band, who have been known to don a suit and tie ensemble when performing live, or even this release?
The meaning behind the band's name is intriguing, and doesn't appear in any Thesaurus that I've sifted through lately. Apparently Akercocke is the name of a talking monkey in (an English poet) Robert Nye's adaption of the Faust legend. So what are we therefore to expect from this band, who have been known to don a suit and tie ensemble when performing live, or even this release?
In early releases, and even before the forming of what is today Akercocke, (initial roots sprouting from a band called Salem Orchid) surprisingly both jazz and funk have been cited as influences. Peter Theoboalds, founding member, previously wrote... “although I found the playing very stimulating, I craved much more from music.” Later influences include Bathory, Celtic Frost, incredibly even Killing Joke. Previous releases have been described as “blackened death metal” while leaning toward a more progressive style. So, how does “Words...” fit into the metal (or even rock) genre spectrum, does it sit comfortably with the brief description it's been labeled with?
The first track, Verdelet, is an excellent track that showcases the diverse musical style the band has displayed on previous releases, most notably two years earlier on Choronzon (2003). Chunky guitar riffs open this track and change pace innumerable times during the song's length, at times reaching a speed to make even the most hardened of thrash aficionado drool. Jason Mendonca's vocals range from a spoken tone to a low growl, even at times attaining a piercing barking scream, sounds a little strange but it works very effectively.
The first track, Verdelet, is an excellent track that showcases the diverse musical style the band has displayed on previous releases, most notably two years earlier on Choronzon (2003). Chunky guitar riffs open this track and change pace innumerable times during the song's length, at times reaching a speed to make even the most hardened of thrash aficionado drool. Jason Mendonca's vocals range from a spoken tone to a low growl, even at times attaining a piercing barking scream, sounds a little strange but it works very effectively.
The second track, Seduced, displays both interesting vocal and guitar compositions, much like the opener it also displays the band's flair for experimentation in song structure and musical styles, at times seeming even a little reminiscent of the musical insanity found in earlier Morbid Angel (Hey our September Skullfucked Artist) releases like Altars of Madness or Blessed are the Sick.
The next track, Shelter from the Sand, is an Akercocke classic. Running over ten minutes in length it runs the gamut from a slow pace with an acoustic vibe that highlights hyena like laughs, screams and growls to a quicker gallop accentuated by Mendonca's grunts, growls and full impressive vocal range. Church bells make an appearance alongside the atmosphere provided by the keyboards, which at certain moments take on an electronic-esque soundtrack feel. An overall gothic occult vibe weaves its way around doom passages and grindcore interludes to make this an epic track that never gets dull and one that isn't easily forgotten. For want of mentioning every track, for there really isn't a horrid one to be found here, up until the last I will summarize lest I never finish and I start to become unhealthily obsessed.
The next track, Shelter from the Sand, is an Akercocke classic. Running over ten minutes in length it runs the gamut from a slow pace with an acoustic vibe that highlights hyena like laughs, screams and growls to a quicker gallop accentuated by Mendonca's grunts, growls and full impressive vocal range. Church bells make an appearance alongside the atmosphere provided by the keyboards, which at certain moments take on an electronic-esque soundtrack feel. An overall gothic occult vibe weaves its way around doom passages and grindcore interludes to make this an epic track that never gets dull and one that isn't easily forgotten. For want of mentioning every track, for there really isn't a horrid one to be found here, up until the last I will summarize lest I never finish and I start to become unhealthily obsessed.
Faith No More Abbadonna, Dying in the Sun, is more the soundscape of a dying beast with Egyptian, Arabian traditional musical undertones than a song per se leading nicely into the title track. Intricate guitar and vocal passages transform into mid paced melodies, then back again with vocal bursts ranging from shouted growls to rapid grunts. Weirdly enough this track puts me in mind of works by Faith no More, an example of another band that frequently experiments with fantastic results.
The last track, Lex Talionis, is one of my personal favorites. A ritualistic drum beat accompanies a slow melody paired with choir-esque singing fromMendonca, a combination that leaves you thirsting for more. The song itself has a malevolent and sinister feel, the structure and breakdowns frequently balance precariously on the edge of a change of pace only then to revert back to its former feel. A nice touch in the final song on an album that is anything but predictable.
The last track, Lex Talionis, is one of my personal favorites. A ritualistic drum beat accompanies a slow melody paired with choir-esque singing fromMendonca, a combination that leaves you thirsting for more. The song itself has a malevolent and sinister feel, the structure and breakdowns frequently balance precariously on the edge of a change of pace only then to revert back to its former feel. A nice touch in the final song on an album that is anything but predictable.
The experimental stylings of Faith No More
After giving this release more than a few moments of my time I honestly believe the term 'Blackened death metal' doesn't come close to describing what the band's style delivers. The lyrics touch upon cultish worship, deviant acts and damnation among other activities that would shock most (if not all) church going folk, so in that respect it fits, but the music is on a whole other level altogether. Keep an open mind folks, for the numerous subtleties within this release will at first intrigue then steadily grow on you.
I would hasten to use the term 'experimental', in respect to metal it rarely (for me at least) has inviting connotations, and this release more than deserves a listen. I will, however, deem it as technical & progressive, tech prog if you will. Obviously it’s not genre definable, a true landmark in the dark, gothic and occult death metal scene (if only to appeal to those that demand brutality in both melody and lyrics) this is arguably Akercocke's finest work to date and continues to deliver the goods nearly ten years after its initial release.
For those of you that demand a rating here it is…
Five, naked buxom blondes tied to the altar awaiting a descending sacrificial dagger, out of five or as we say here...
SPIN IT IN THE PIT!!
Five, naked buxom blondes tied to the altar awaiting a descending sacrificial dagger, out of five or as we say here...
SPIN IT IN THE PIT!!
Just for fun here's a full live set of the band! Enjoy!
So what do you think Scribbler Fans? Feind has listened to this album a few times now and I have to concur with the "SPIN IT" judgement. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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