Formed in 2014 in A Coruña, Spain, AKOUPHENOM is known for their fusion of blackened death metal with elements of doom and noise, aiming to reflect absolute evil in their creations. The band's name is a twist on the word "tinnitus," referencing the auditory consequences of their intense live performances. These new four-tracks EP continue the band’s exploration of dark themes and complex compositions, further establishing their presence in the extreme metal scene. “Absurd of the Arkhe” is first. “Arkhe” is an Ancient Greek word with primary senses "beginning," "origin" or "source of action" from the beginning, οr the original argument, "command.” It’s a 12-minute beast that begins with aggression and darkness, the likes of which haven’t seen the light of day for years. There are also element of Doom mixed into this horrid tale. Evil sounding? You bet. It’s also a harrowing affair that could turn your hair white.

“Extrema Uncion” is shorter, and more raucous, and the wheels are spinning so fast at first, they nearly fly off the machine. Maintaining control in this chaotic environment is a feat, indeed. It slows just enough for you to get back on the path, and the sky darkens from there, and creatures emerge from the darkness. “Abismo” is a short, four-minute ride through the mind of a madman. Once you get back in there, the things you can see in his head you can’t unsee. It’s almost like witnessing a horrific car accident where you know someone died. “Limbo” is the final song, and the shortest. There are more ambient tones here, a near 180 from the first two songs, but definitely intriguing. The piano notes are dark, as if they were being played by a skeleton or a ghost.

This was an album with a lot to offer the listener. The first two songs were very dark amalgams of Black and Death Metal, with deep elements of Doom, but the final two songs took on a whole different meaning. I was captivated by the album as whole, and found that there are many secrets buried within. Come try to unearth them with a listen of “Connections to the Eternal Erebus.”