This is the fifth album from French black metal band Acod.
Fourth Reign over Opacities and Beyond is a 52-minute journey into Acod’s lovingly-crafted world.
Acod offer a melodic strain of black metal that contains death and thrash metal influences. Elements of bands such as Dark Funeral, Samael, Septicflesh, Dark Tranquillity, Cradle of Filth, and Behemoth can be heard in Acod’s sound, and these combined should give you a rough starting point for this album.
The aggressive black metal core of Acod’s sound is enriched with muscular death metal riffs and the occasional bout of thrash energy. The songs range from harsher expressions to more arena-friendly material that you can easily imagine going down a storm live. The more accessible side of the music results in some songs being surprisingly catchy and memorable, and this style looks good on Acod.
The material has an epic streak that’s well-used. Whether this is woven into the guitars or embedded in the orchestral enhancements, it works with the band’s blackened assault nicely. The well-written songs benefit from both sharp aggression and rich atmosphere. The latter aspect is particularly compelling, and I like how Acod use their atmospheric components.
Fourth Reign over Opacities and Beyond is an accomplished and enjoyable record. Acod have created a professional album that many fans of extreme metal should be able to enjoy.
A recommended listen.
Wonderbox Metal 