Acheron | ‘Rebirth: Metamorphosing Into Godhood’

You’d think that by now, 15 years on, there’d be little life left in a band like Acheron. But Crowley’s beast is far from out of steam yet, and indeed this is probably one of the best releases the band has put out, all the more so for following hot on the heel’s of last years ‘Lex Talonis’ MCD. The restructuring of the lineup around Kyle Severn, formerly of Incantation and Michael Estes from Burning Inside (remember Richard Christie from Death’s other cool band?) has had a massive impact on what Acheron can now achieve.

The focus now is on shade, weight, breakdowns and variation, which makes Acheron so eminently more interesting than much of what the current speed fixated death metal has provided since its relative resurgence in the last few years. The take it or leave it ideals of Incantation and their ilk certainly show through with pure brutality being attained through great and well enunciated vocal work highly reminiscent of even David Vincent’s commanding oratory.

Think old Brutality, Asphyx, Sinister, Incantation, Autopsy all the greats of winding and torturous 90’s death metal and you’ve mostly got it. Truly it just shows what a multitude of sins the modern day blastbeat craze covers for. There are no concessions to anything in here except the pure dark and uncomfortable tones of misfortunate dirging guitar.

Tracks like “Bow Before Me” are just plain great, showing no fear in indulging in numerous solos and interminable breakdowns, sinuous and weaving in structure. Its been a damn long time since I’ve heard a band dare to be this self indulgent (yet understatedly so) whilst being unpretentious and true to the great old ideals that made the best DM of its heyday. If youre into real death metal, its simple: you need this, and you need it now. A pure nostalgia trip, and with better riffs and solos than a good lot since.

4.5 / 5. -Ciaran Tracey ::: 01/02/04