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

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

-
Image
  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn , looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales and deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. ...
Read more

Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

-
Image
Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...
Read more

Review: Little King: Lente Viviente

-
Image
  Written by Anselm Anderson Texan rock trio Little King has returned with their eighth studio album, Lente Viviente , which is their most progressive and ambitious work to date. The release was recorded a few months back in Arizona , marking the first time the band have recorded outside their native Texas. The band has made some personnel changes since their last outing six years ago. Drummer Tony Bojorquez joins guitarist and vocalist Ryan Rossoff , along with bassist and cellist David Hamilton , to record this seven-track release. The album draws similarities to prog rock icons Rush and Genesis while presenting a fresh and original approach. It sounds as though the band has undergone some serious soul-searching over those years. The album title Lente Viviente  roughly translates to "Living Lens," a play on words of Rossoff's Video Memoir Production company, LivingLens Memoirs . It examines the balance between truth and perception, featuring thought-provoking lyrics...
Read more