« Kult des Hasses »
2014
Relocating from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Columbus Ohio, Americans, ACHERON have been churning brutal homage’s to Satan since their debut, “Rites of the Black Mass” back in 1992 and have survived a turbulent ride in their career. After a short split in 2010, they returned the same year to slowly pen more aural blasphemy resulting in this year’s long awaited, “Kult des Hasses”! Starting with strong opener, “Daemonum Lux”, ACHERON combine full on Blackened Death with refinement and purpose and utilize melodic leads against varying tempo changes. The threesome of Vincent Crowley (bass/vocals) and Art Taylor (guitars) and drummer, Kyle Severen, attack with forceful melodies and hooks that leave the listener wanting more. “Satan Holds Dominion” certainly blasts throughout until a break sees the band explore a sing-a- long catch phrase, “See Us, Hear Us, Face Us, Fear Us” that will no doubt be HUGE live!
Likewise, the production of “Kult des Hasses” perfectly showcases clear musical ideas which help convey accessibility, soaring solos, in “Raptured to Divine Perversion” and thrash leanings in “Jesus Wept (Again and Again)”. Indeed, it’s the solos that garner the most acclaim as they brazenly explode in much the same way that Jack Owen’s lead contributions propelled Deicide’s, “The Stench of Redemption” into the stratosphere in 2006. Add to that the stop and go dramatic feel of “Whores and Harlots” that ACHERON have a recipe that’s sure to please while “Asphyxiation (Hands of God)” explores early Death Metal stylings akin to AFFLICTED’s crunchy musicality!
Ending with a return to a more thrash assault in “Devil’s Black Blood”, ACHERON’s “Kult des Hasses” is a surprising and gratifying listen with enough variation to hold interest and solos that will induce goosebumps! Albeit, a tad long in its 56:26 minute length, the album could benefit from a slight “trimming” but nevertheless, it’s an album fans will certainly discover new nuances in every spin!
Standout Tracks: “Raptured to Divine Perversion”, “Jesus Wept (Again and Again)”, “Whores and Harlots”
8.5/10
Chris
