Review Summary: Akasha is waging war against the heavens in the filthiest, most disgusting way possible on his debut full length.
Black metal bands from west coast have been known mostly for their atmospheric approach to the genre. Bands such as Wolves in the Throne Room, Ash Borer and Fell Voices (just to name a few) usually engage in long, repetitive and drawn out riffage and drone like atmospheres to almost hypnotize the listener. And while I’m someone who is all for that style, it doesn’t go for everyone. Akasha on the other hand is on the complete opposite end of that spectrum. Enter his debut album and one of the best black metal albums of 2019,
Canticles of the Sepulchral Deity.
The aural assault on the ears that this album brings forth is nothing short of spectacular. The way that lone member Leech blends the melodic yet extremely abrasive raw nature of the riffage with the dirty aesthetic of 70’s/80’s style punk music is impeccable. There’s not a single moment of positive clarity throughout the 44 minute runtime of this almost flawless debut. The production is filthy, grimy and makes you feel as if you just took a shower, not with water but with a combination of mud, dust and debris. Vocally this album will remind you of a demon screaming up in pain from the lowest depths of hell with no possible escape in sight.
For anyone that thinks there’s a lack of truly evil black metal nowadays, look no further than Akasha. This one man band is rough, rugged, raw and straight up devoid of light. You’ll literally feel like you need to soak in a bubble bath like a little girl after you listen to this album. It will leave you feeling as if your soul has just been raped, in the best way possible of course.
