Words by Anselm Anderson
Atmospheric Black metal traces its roots in the Nordic region during the nineties with acts like Burzum and Ulver. The genre has really taken off in the past twenty years with the addition of several sub-genres and outside influences such as folk and post-rock. However, British newcomers Aklash aim to challenge that statement with their newest EP Reincarnation. The quartet formed in 2010 in southern England but their fanbase has grown in that time with notable live performances and the release of their previous three efforts: 2013's self-titled album, 2018's Where The Ocean Meets The Sky, and 2021's Horizon.
Reincarnation is eight tracks of wonder and awe, as the band capture the influences of their European roots. The inclusion of folk, metal, goth, and prog-rock styles helps to convey the lyrics of philosophy, theology, and anamorphosis to the listener. The band consists of Nicholas Millar (Guitar, Violin and Main Vocals), Yiannis Panou (Guitars, Bouzouki, Flute and Vocals), Chris Kendell (Bass and Vocals), and Marco Silva (Drums, Percussion, Synth and Vocals). Most of the tracks on this 37-minute album are over six minutes long, allowing the band to explore their Celtic and Eastern folk roots and create compelling music.
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| Photo Credit: Ajit Dutta The self-titled track "Reincarnation" opens with a mix of haunting death growls and nineties-influenced gothic rock, presenting an interesting first track. It's a standard rock track with towering choruses and skull-crushing blast beats, set against skyscraping melodic riffs. Next up is the folk ballad "Communion with Ghosts", which explores some Eastern folk sounds with dissonant chords and harrowing vocal melodies reminiscent of the band Ghost. The band demonstrates a good ear for music with mesmerizing and skilful arrangements that many churches would be proud of. 'Babylon' is an intense explosion of death metal featuring frenetic drumming and riffage alongside choral cries of "Babylon", sounding like a call to arms for the band. The macabre vocals blend with the choral screams and lung-busting vocal harmonies to show that the band can play with diversity and fluidity. The band moves differently with their music by incorporating horns and violins to infuse progressive elements into their sound. The seven-minute song 'Cossak' stands out as it sounds fitting for a Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack with a catchy chorus, eerie guitar instrumental passages, and intense blast beats. 'Kaval' combines NWOBHM beats with headbanging riffs, and the album achieves its goals with another seven-minute track "My Will May Manifest," delivering a headbanging experience reminiscent of the Twilight Zone. The band revisits their progressive elements with howling vocals blended with a hook-laden chorus and sizzling solos and riffs that are terrifying and infectious. Overall, "Reincarnation" adds to a long list of satisfactory releases that the Rambling Man has reviewed. The album incorporates all elements of rock and metal with a twist. There are plenty of good riffs, excellent showmanship, and thought-provoking lyrics to keep one amused for over half an hour. It is a diverse album with plenty of depth RATING: 4.5/5 |
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