Aklash – Reincarnation (Review)

This is the fourth album from UK black metal band Aklash.

According to the promo blurb, Aklash “…cite Drudkh, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Judas Priest as key influences”, which sounds like an interesting enough mix to me to merit further investigation. That description doesn’t quite do Reincarnation justice though, as Aklash’s music is diverse and rich.

Containing 39 minutes of material, Reincarnation brings together many different ideas, genres, and sounds together as a progressive black metal offering that has a life of its own. Aklash have developed their own personality, and across these eight tracks they demonstrate it very nicely indeed. To the bands mentioned above, I’ll also throw in Emperor, The Meads of Asphodel, Wayfarer, Sigh, and Saor as reference points, to give you an idea of the quirky, idiosyncratic nature of Aklash’s music.

The various band members deploy a greater number of different instruments than is typical for a release that’s ostensibly of this nature, which speaks to how detailed Reincarnation is. Multiple members provide vocals too, resulting in songs that are almost as busy vocally as they are musically.

There’s a lot going on across Reincarnation. We have fast parts that are vicious and lethal, with serrated screams that cut through the airwaves like knives. We have epic majesty, driven with soaring cleans that are just as resplendent as prime Emperor in places. There are folk-enhanced melodies and sounds, adding colour to the music’s heart of darkness. There’s a melodic and atmospheric underpinning that’s very moreish, constantly enticing you to come back for more. There’s a firm heavy metal influence that manifests in key places, ready to riot with an axe of shining steel in each hand. Alongside all of this there are 70s rock influences, Gothic flavourings, avant-garde sensibilities, and a psychedelic aspect, all of which add much to the cauldron of ingredients that Aklash bake with.

This breadth of material is delivered under a progressive black metal framework that’s permissive and protective; Aklash do what they want with their multifaceted style, allowing them to offer a refreshing take on the genre, but don’t stray so far as to become diluted though weaker influences. Aklash are a talented bunch, and they pull all of this off, (and more), with skill and ease. The songwriting is strong enough to tie everything together into songs that are catchy, infectious, and filled with memorable moments and hooks. Honestly, this is a record that’s simply way above average.

It says something about how good Reincarnation is that there are two interludes here, and both actually justify their running time and inclusion in the tracklist. This is an exceedingly unusual occurrence.

Well, well. This was an unexpected find. It’s rare to find a band that combines myriad influences into one place, and even rarer for that to be done as well as it is here.

Essential listening.