Review Summary: Akercocke's latest outing expands upon their Satanic beliefs. Highly oriented around imagery, this album evokes a deeper of view of the unthinkable.
When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.- Rule 11 of the Satanic Bible on Earth
Akercocke is a band arising from England, and notorious for conveying the word of Satan and covering sexual themes through their music. Their tunes aren't exactly the mildest listens either; by adopting a fusion of Death Metal and Black Metal, they are able to create brutality while promoting an evil and perpetual melody to get their intentions across more firmly. At first glance, such a combination may seem interesting. However, based on personal experience, I may point out that merely being able to enjoy
Antichrist won't go easy on you. It's something that takes a bit of an ear.
I've spent quite some intriguing time with this album, notably in striving to discover its beauty. Upon my first listen, I was awe-struck by how amazing the riffs were, and by the whole concept they tried to display. Ironically, I didn't really know what I was listening to, or not fully, despite the title of the album.
Antichrist became perplexive as I reflectd upon its meaning and tried to draw conclusions. I was about to put it off when I decided to give it another try, which turned out essential. I will be blunt, this album is extremely tiring, at least for me.
But in time, even this eclipsed "Words that Go Unspoken, Deeds that Go Undone", and it was seemingly the sound that
Akercocke had sought from beginning. Nonetheless, the controversy lies in the lyrics, where punch-lines such as "The inexhaustible beauty/The incomparable gift/Satan has made to the human race/In his only child/Antichrist" are sung cleanly, therefore revealing themselves as if the connection with Satan was "gentle". The lyrics were evincive of an almost domestic relationship with the "Master". No more need be said,
Akercocke sing about their love and trust for Satan, and how they favor sex. Yet in tone, the music is servile towards the Antichrist and the chants can be seen as hypnotic. This in turn indirectly shows the bands contempt for God as a fake prophet who ought to be overlooked.
Akercocke lays out an abstract dogma on the table, and hence, I like to think of this album as my personal adventure.
It seems chronological. The third track entitled
Axiom, following the summoning of Satan, defines an established truth that needs no proof, while the song sexually seduces (some)one to yield to Satan in sex and death. "I believe that when I die I shall rot and nothing of my ego shall survive" is originally a quote from a British philosopher by the name of Bertrand Russell and used in the song to illustrate the cleansing of the soul, in addition to the guilt and perversion that one would expect in the after-life. As described aptly in the next song, "Place all your faith in sex and death/Rather than the wisdom of the divine"
The Promise is self-explanatory, depicting the principles and "wonders" of hell. The song almost invites you to give in to its pleasures; but the fact that hell itself is known as a place of suffering, renders the lyrics ludicrous. This song is played with highly distorted guitar notes, tormented chants and screams which could make you swear you were in a place none other than hell.
A noticable difference between this album and its predecessor is that
Antichrist is highly oriented around imagery and a more vivid evocation of the beliefs and phenomenon of Satanism and sex. It perhaps focuses less on having the most memorable songs, but aims to cohere as an ensemble. Clocking in at approximately 50 minutes, this album may need time to get through, but invites for a more rewarding experience as the songs progress. Quite a few acoustic passages are present, and the tracks revolve around repetitive Black Metal riffs with passages of varied sounds added as well.
The Dark Inside prances on a constant riff until it breaks into an amazing soft sequence around 1/4 through the song. If you have obtained the Limited Edition Super Jewel Case, there are two bonus tracks
Chapel of Ghouls and
Leprosy, both of which are cover songs.
Chapel of Ghouls has a powerful chug riff which is then followed by a typical Death Metal guitar solo. Both of the bonus tracks are good listens.
Personally, the heated debate which has been triggered because of bands such as
Akercocke concerning the ethicality of Satanism are beyond me, when really the Church are imposing their doctrines as "moral" foundations in our society. Yet where are we on deciding how far the Church can really draw the line, when Satanic views don't force individuals to go further than what is ethical? Perhaps what
Akercocke convey in their music is perceived as disgusting, but it's not pushing any bounds; if any, than those of human ignorance.
Antichrist may have a cheesy and derivative title, but I find it intriguing. Sure, it might give us a new perspective on things, but feeding Satan grapes and combing his hair in a bathtub is not tailor-making in society. Enjoy this compilation for its bloody madness.
Key Tracks:
- Summon The Antichrist
- My Apterous Angel
- The Dark Inside
This Message Edited On 07.03.07
