Artist: Akercocke
Label: Earache Records
Release Date: 10/13/05
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Title: Words that Go Unspoken, Deeds that Go Undone Artist: Akercocke Label: Earache Records Release Date: 10/13/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
From this point on, this album is known as WTGUDTGU... Jesus, even the fucking abbreviation is long! Check that, from now on this is known as the new album. For those of you who are unaware, this is Akercocke's fourth album, and it cements this band's reputation as one of the most interesting, cutting edge acts out there. There are very few bands that have as many strengths and so few weaknesses through four albums as these guys.Of course, first thing's first. Why the fuck isn't there a naked chick on the cover? The first three albums had them, why the sudden change? What jackass dreamed up the concept that a naked chick on the front cover was a bad idea? Look fellas, I've been doing this criticism thing for a long time, I know what I'm talking about...naked chicks are always a good idea.
"One word review: Artistry." Regardless of the baffling shift in aesthetics, the new Akercocke album remains Satanic art on the highest level. The band has retreated from the ever-so-slight drift toward mainstream metal that Choronzon was, coming out with an album that is far from mainstream, but pretty easy to listen to nevertheless. Akercocke are without peer in this regard. Sure, I can hear some Bethlehem and Arcturus here and there. Hell, there's also some Cradle of Filth and Deicide. But when this album is taken as a whole, all comparisons fall apart.
Akercocke continue to progress...and progress is the key word here. Lots of bands water down their sound and call it progression, Akercocke do the opposite. Instead of diluting their sound, they strip it to its purity. The music remains beautiful and crisp, but also organic and raw. It can be complex and technical, but very much primal as well. There are ludicrously low death growls that sound like they were burped out of the swamps of the mid-90s Florida death metal scene, as well as banshee screeches. Clean vocals are much more prominent than in past albums, but, surprisingly, this doesn't make the album more accessible, it just presents another dimension to the sound. This album is deep.
Let the blood flow and the fires burn, Akercocke are back with an album of vice, vanity, and a seductive - but unnatural - evil. One word review: Artistry.
Death's Review:
Akercoke continue to forge their own path to hell with their next Earache release, Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone. Sounding like a straight-ahead death metal and thrash metal band mixed with progressive elements of bands like mid-period Voivod or later Emperor and Enslaved, Words is well-produced (mixed by Neil Kernon, no less), in your face, and interesting throughout the entire trip. New guitarist Matthew Wilcock (ex-Berzerker) replaces Paul Scanlan and is a great addition, sounding fantastic here. Satanic themes help to set the mood, and the music is complex enough to keep you guessing as to where things are going next. I love the retro thick, over distorted yet crisp guitar tone that is used here - I think it adds a real "death metal" (a la early Death) element and it is nice to here this type of guitar tone mixed with a more modern production.
"Words is well-produced (mixed by Neil Kernon, no less), in your face, and interesting throughout the entire trip." To be honest, this album surprised me. There is a lot going on here, and it is definitely worth your while. I expected it to be average, and instead I got something pretty good. This is a band who is confident enough to be undeniably metal, yet feels that they need not be limited by the artificial boundaries of any particular sub-genre. That is always worth checking out.
Hel's Review:
The blokes in snappy suits have returned. This time, they have prog on their minds, which permeates the album and creates an interesting counterpoint to their usual blackness, which remains a constant despite the present evolution.
"There is enough heaviness to satisfy and enough intricacy to keep you listening." Those of you who are horrified at the notion of Akercocke going prog can be assured that there are songs which still hold to your old notions of the band. Overall, the album strikes me as well written and well executed. I found the prog elements brought into play to be refreshing, and in many places very nicely incorporated.
There is enough heaviness to satisfy and enough intricacy to keep you listening. I definitely enjoyed Words that Go Unspoken, Deeds that Go Undone, and can easily envision putting it back into the player once this review is a speck in the distance in my rearview mirror.
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