From Cambridge, UK, AKKADIAN released their first EP, The Devil Has Evolved. After a number of singles released since 2019, the band have decided to present us with 3 songs this time around in the vein of a well composed black metal with touches of Doom, Metalcore and Thrash. We start the EP with “Second Sight” and it is a punch in the face. Heavy as fuck and with relentless guitar crunch as their introduction card. The vocals remind me of CONVERGE and the song has a number of different moods to explore. A good track with good musicianship and all the distortion and aggression you can handle.

We follow with the song that gives the EP its title “The Devil Has Evolved”. With another crunchy riff dancing on both sides of your speaker and with a slower tempo, this is a banger as well. The band tries to give an epic melodic aspect on the chorus part. Yes, melodic! Despite the chorus being screamed mercilessly, it has a soft melody in the background that cuts through the heavy output. Well seasoned musicians as well I should say. We finish this short review with “Teardrop” and a complete change of mood. Softer vocals mixed with guttural and giving you complete DEVIN TOWNSEND vibes. With a much slower tempo and a mix of different moods, the band shows that they know how to explore the genre well and are creative in their compositions. I could call this song PINK FLOYD on steroids.

Solid work with solid musicians (despite no guitar solos) and good production. It takes you back to the greats of the genre and the band shows great potential. However, it would be better to have a full album with a variety of more ideas on display. The market is saturated with great bands like OPETH and ENSLAVED within the style and you have to show more to get your head out of the bunch. Too bad it is only 3 songs.