Translate

ALBUM REVIEW: Aklash- Reincarnation

-

 

Null

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.

Null
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

            





SOCIAL MEDIA 




Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following https://follow.it/anselm-s-rambling-man-s-reviews?pub




All rights reserved by Anselm Anderson ©



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Album Review: EBBA BERGKVIST AND THE FLAT TIRE BAND- FOUR WINGS

-
Image
  Words by Anselm Anderson Sweden's Female fronted blues rock band Ebba Begkvist and TheFlat Tire Band recently released their second studio album Four Wings  via the excellent The Sign Records.  I have written some reviews for the label in the past and they usually produce some superb music from Sweden. 'Four Wings' is no exception as it is an album really about two halves; the first is 70's induced heavy blues rock, and the second is psychedelic and soulful melodies. The follow-up to 2020's Spilt Milk was produced and recorded by Ebba herself at  Silence Studio in Koppom as well as Helgen Studio, in Stockholm. As a producer, this allows her to add depth and emotion to each track. Formed in 2017 as a solo project, Ebba Bergkvist later added bassist Björn Björnehult Korning, drummer Adam Randolph and Finnish guitarist Jonas Skeppar to form the band it is today. Ebba gained critical acclaim after the release of her debut album, "Alright," in 2019, and wen...
Read more

Artist Interview- The Comancheros "We wanted to know what it would sound like if Van Halen did a Waylon Jennings cover album."

-
Image
   Hello, could you introduce yourself to the listeners? Hello! This is Michael. I am the drummer, manager, and one of the songwriters for The Comancheros.    What can you tell me about your musical journey to this point? I started by playing in a punk band with my brother, we did a few death metal bands in our teens, and I started playing country when I was in college. Tanner and I met when I was in graduate school for Greek and Latin. It wasn’t long before I dropped out of grad school to focus on The Comancheros. It’s been full steam ahead ever since!    How would you describe your sound? HEAVY & WESTERN. We wanted to know what it would sound like if Van Halen did a Waylon Jennings cover album. Van Waylon, if you will.    What inspired you to get into music? Personally, I was home-schooled. My parents did not play music, so my brother and I started private music lessons around age 12 and it quickly took over our lives. We were n...
Read more

Song Review: Black Vultures - Treat Me Like An Animal

-
Image
Words by Anselm Anderson The Black Vultures are a new name in the rock world. I am always excited to receive music from a rock act with potential, and these four have plenty of potential. The band hails from South Wales and are set to release their new single "Treat Me Like An Animal" next Friday, November 4th. The track is one of three singles set for release over the next few months before releasing an EP early next year. "Treat Me Like An Animal", an energetic and upbeat rock anthem, is a light-hearted look at being in a bad relationship. The song was recorded at Unit 13 in Tredegar by local producer Tom Williams and mastered by Chris Peet at North House Studio in Ebbw Vale. The Black Vultures are an amalgamation of the quartet's favourite bands: Black Sabbath and Them Crooked Vultures. The track shares some influences from those bands with a catchy chorus and high-tempo riffs. "Treat Me Like An Animal" begins with a screeching riff that blends rock...
Read more