Thursday 19 September 2013

Akûma - For The Beloved Bones - Review

For The Beloved Bones cover art

Akûma is a Doom/Sludge/Post-Metal Band from Morelia, Mexico

The members are:

-xVâlx: Guitar
-xFâbriziox: Druns
-xwôntx: Guitarra
-xRîgox: Bass

I will say this now but Akûma are my fave band from the Mexico Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal scene. They impressed the heck out of me with their excellent debut album and EP’s they have released over the past few years. Though Akûma is a very different beast now compared to their debut album.

Akûma back then was a schizophrenic beast waiting to explode at any time. The album was a strange mix of Doom, Sludge, Stoner and Post-Metal spliced into different parts. It gives the album a truly wonderful sound.

Now in 2013 – Akûma are back with their highly anticipated follow up – For The Beloved Bones. Their first release for new record label – Magnetic Eye Records. It’s a more focused affair than their acclaimed debut album. Every riff, note and vocals have been carefully organised into something special.

Akûma have lost their Stoner Metal vibe and replaced it with a more frantic violent Doom/Sludge/Post-Metal edge. First track – According To The Currents – is a 2:11 minute preview on what to expect over the next 38 mins or so. Huge slabs of heavy riffs that will have you on the edge of your seat. Vocals are screamed at you with immense power, anger and fury.

Akûma are going to take you on a wild ride full of thrills and spills. Or should I say riffs as Akûma don’t hold back. They are loud and angry from the very start. So sit back and let Akûma welcome you into their violent and frantic world.

2nd track – Ingolstadt – is where the real Akûma come to life. Blending pummelling fast paced riffs that will leave you breathless. Just listen the to excellent instrumental work that the band have laid down here. You can hear early shades of Baroness, Mastodon and Isis in the background. Though Akûma play a much faster pace. One of the albums standout tracks that’s worth the purchase for the album alone.

3rd Track – Doom & Power – is appropriately named as its all Doom and very powerful as well. This is a fast paced 3 minute monster waiting to be unleashed against you. The results are deadly and highly dangerous. But you won’t care as you will be worshipping the brilliant riffs Akûma have laid down here. Who knows what vocalists is singing about as he is singing at such a fast rate he doesn’t stop for air. This is Akûma at their most primal. It’s not a pretty sight but it’s the perfect opportunity to headbang!!!!.

4th Track – Power – starts with a bone-crunching riff to wake you up from your slumber. Hard-hitting and powerful from the word go. Akûma have written a powerful instrumental track that is full of fiery Mexican anger and passion. The instrumental work is simply superb. Showing that Akûma are equally talented at writing a track that Pelican would be proud to call their own.

Exiled Sons Of Eve is another hard-hitting action packed track that Akûma instantly draw you in with. Excellent riffs and vocals combine for one of the albums heaviest and powerful tracks. And surprisingly it has beautiful tender and sombre moments in the latter stages of the song. Check out the riff around 1:30 minute mark. WOW.

Akûma carry on those quiet moments into a track called Amongst The Vessels. An emotionally driven Post-Rock track with a haunting Drone Rock lurking in the background. A soothing dark mysterious track that is full of intricate acoustic riffs you wouldn’t expect on an album like this. But when have Akûma played by the rules.

That’s all the album tracks that I am going to review. I don’t want to spoil anymore surprises for you. Akûma have delivered a brilliant and powerful album that proves why they are Mexico’s finest Sludge Metal band.

Simply Unmissable.

For The Beloved Bones is available to buy on Magnetic Eye Records from Sept 24th 2013.

Thanks to Akûma for sending ourselves a promo to review. Much appreciated.

Check This Excellent Band From Links Below

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