Acolythus
A Scar For The Wicked
Based out of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the ensemble formed in 2011 drawing primary influences from the likes of THE BLACK DHALIA MURDER, DIMMU BORGIR, THE ZENITH PASSAGE, and BELPHEGOR, and the gory blood-soaked realms of horror. The following year saw the release of the debut EP “Scars,” with subsequent EPs “The Necrobutcher” and “The Unholy” landing in 2014 and 2018 respectively. Throughout their career, the band have brought their unyielding energy to festivals around their home state, and notably have shared stages with heavyweight acts including WHITECHAPEL, THY ART IS MURDER, BORN OF OSIRIS, ARCHSPIRE, and CHELSEA GRIN.
“Seven Wraiths” is the first song, and the very aggressive sound comes straight at you. In the guitar work, there are some Classical influences, and the vocals vary from screams to deep gutturals. “The Ophidian Offspring” has a similar sound and pace. This music is definitely on the deep end of Metal music in general, but the band has to challenge themselves a little more to diversify their sound. “Drowned in Gluttony” has that heavy feeling that you can garner from the title, and it sounds like someone is weighed down with a stomach that is beyond full. But again, besides some nifty guitar work, it isn’t a very different sound.
“Despicable Existence” has another thick contentious sound where the leads take the direction at times, and a steady humming from the blast beat drums. The title track brings some symphonic elements with it, that are there in support of the contentious sound. At this point in the album, I think it’s safe to say that the band is playing it safe by not varying their sound much or taking a lot of chances. “Into a Coalescent Damnation” brings dark shadows back to the music. I hate to sound repetitive in this review, but many of these songs could be interchanged as they sound very close to one another. “Sacrificial Genocide” also features some orchestral instruments and an audible bass line, but the rest of the song is played too safely once more.
“Son of Dawn” closes the album, and, unfortunately, it’s more of the same. Overall, this band has talent that cannot be denied, but at this point in their career, they can safely take some more chances in their music, so you don’t know what to expect from them. Expand on the orchestral arrangements or vary the pace for example. They just played it way too safely.
5 / 10
Mediocre
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Acolythus" Track-listing:
1. Seven Wraiths
2. The Ophidian Offspring
3. Drowned In Gluttony
4. Golden Touch of Eternity
5. Despicable Existence
6. Acolythus
7. Into a Coalescent Damnation
8. Sacrificial Genocide
9. Son of Dawn
A Scar For The Wicked Lineup:
James Nopper – Bass
Nick Rodgers – Drums
Joe Kenyeres – Guitars
Adam Semler – Guitars, Vocals
André Dubien – Vocals
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