Boy, hasn’t this one stirred up some buzz? Considering the press Akercocke received – in both positive, but mainly negative manners – just for naming their fifth LP Antichrist, you could tell these oddballs were going to surprise a lot of people with this record, and they sure as hell did. Akercocke’s oven of progressive frosting layered over the cake of brutal death metal has always been a delicious mix for fans of the genre, and the boys still continue to dish out genius metal in every range of measurement. Even under fire, the well-dressed gentlemen of Akercocke remain the fantastic experimental progressive band they were meant to be, and Antichrist is unquestionably one of their finest works.As musicians, Akercocke are spot on with relentless brutality and golden experimentation. The death metal Antichrist brings forth is filled with speedy blastbeats, low growls, and nifty solos; but that’s just the first of it. Akercocke’s overlapping of various genres reveals a special brand of multi-genetic death metal that sounds very professional and original, but they connect the links of oddness flawlessly when performing a musical switch. Not one problem ever emerges when the vortex between brutality and experimentation opens; it's just an outstanding transition.
Still, the everlasting evolution of Akercocke’s experimental ideology brings the band to a new paradise of tropical progression, which installs many interesting items to the table. Flares of uniqueness sprout throughout the narration-driven “The Promise,” whilst other keyboard-laden tracks and tribal jams lurk amongst these oddities. Also, the euphoric “Epode” shines on a simple acoustic template with a chilling atmosphere words cannot describe; add haunting lyrics, and you have the record’s highlight. To wit, the boys of Akercocke swim toward the tides of creativity with some of their most unique material ever.
It is simply outstanding to witness the chaos of Antichrist and how Akercocke’s advancement continues to entwine the fibers of experimental music and death metal. Such a bizarre blend of racket is not meant to go together, but they make it work in hundreds of different ways; there’s just too much goodness of all sorts. Light your candles, shut off the lights, and prepare to summon the masters of experimental perfection…this truly is the coming of the Antichrist indeed.