Reincarnation
Aklash
From Bandcamp, “The new album "Reincarnation” represents the culmination of three years hard work getting this ready to present to you all. This release is for more than just your average Black Metal fan but for people with a craving for innovation within the genre. This album holds nothing back, it is big and loud, deliberately made to catch your attention and keep it.”
The title track is the first cut. This is Black Metal, make no mistake, but Progressive elements are also strong in the mix, mostly in the chord progressions. Clean vocals seem to come out of nowhere, and with them, some jovial sounds in the riff. “Communication with Ghosts” has recorder notes and thick bass in the opening, and perhaps what I like most about this album so far is the twists and turns it takes…you never know what is around the corner. “Babylon” has anthemic qualities, especially when the vocalist shouts the title, and the music borders on Power Metal. What a creative fusion of many genres this album is.
“Sapphires and Garlic” is 30 seconds of depression, and it furthers the genre bending. “Cossack” is a little more straightforward in its presentation but still has that odd and pleasing mixture of many different spices. You have to admire the band’s confidence in that regard. Very few bands could pull off this kind of sound and they do it without concern. “Kaval” has another dose of heavy bass notes, and the band knows how to use them in their music for sure. Another main tenant of the song is a hasty sound. “Caravanserai” is two minutes of more somber tones, and the way that the band sandwiches these songs in with the others on the album shows a very creative side.
“My Will Made Manifest” closes the album, and it has a darker and more mysterious sound at times, and much clearer and more positive at others. Overall, this was one of the more creative albums that I have heard this year. They flawlessly blend genres together that have no business walking hand in hand and they flaunt them with absolute confidence. Anyone hankering for something off the beaten path will surely find this to their liking.
Tags:
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Reincarnation" Track-listing:
1. Reincarnation
2. Communion with Ghosts
3. Babylon
4. Sapphires and Garlic
5. Cossack
6. Kaval
7. Caravanserai
8. My Will Made Manifest
Aklash Lineup:
Nico Millar – Vocals, Guitars, Violin, Organ
Yiannis Panou – Guitars, Flute, Bouzouki, Vocals
Chris Kendall – Bass, Vocals
Marco Silva – Drums, Synths, Vocals
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