Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Akercocke is a band that I've subconsciously overlooked until now. Given the chance to review their latest album, Antichrist, I jumped right on it to see for myself what they hype was all about. After listening to the album (uninterrupted) from start to finish, the only thing that came to my mind was, "how come I never gave Akercocke a chance?" Antichrist totally blew me away - and still does every day that I listen to it. I immediately downloaded (legally) their back catalog and was completely impressed with each album, especially their ability to take their sound even further each time. Antichrist sort of sums up their previous four albums and adds dimensions you never thought you would ever hear on a death metal album.

The song "Axiom" features blast beats over acoustic guitars and clean vocals with a bridge section that Mike Patton and the rest of Faith No More would be proud of. The song "The Dark Inside" could be their most dynamic track to date. In just under 7 minutes they manage to squeeze in a little bit of Death Metal, Black Metal, Pop Rock, and electronic. Don't fear, it isn't cheesy at all, as all the parts are interwoven to sound like a natural transition. The song "My Apterous Angel" is another stand-out track with a bold acoustic intro and clean vocals, ultimately leading to some brutal death metal with a mix of death and black metal vocals. "Footsteps Resound In An Empty Chapel" throws in a little grindcore - with guitars at blazing speeds and relentless blast beats, before changing to a ripping death metal riff via a short black metal section. The album ends with "Epode" - a short acoustic track that is reminiscent of Damnation-era Opeth. Although not mentioned in this review, the remaining tracks on this album are incredible!

Akercocke are a stellar band that everyone should check out. Although the band name may not stand out and their "suit and tie" image may be misleading, Akercocke is an extremely destructive force in the extreme metal scene. Pick this album up now and enjoy one of the best metal experiences ever.