Acceptance – Crucifixion of Orchids (Review)

Acceptance are a post-black metal band from the UK and this is their debut album.

Previously known as Fatalist, (with an album under that name, so whether this is their first or second I suppose is up for debate), Acceptance exist at an interesting intersection between atmospheric black metal, sludge, blackgaze, and post-rock.

Crucifixion of Orchids is a 33-minute album, containing five tracks of Acceptance’s hybrid blackened style. I have to say, it is all very good. The band know their material well, play to their strengths, and paint textured pictures in shades of black. Crucifixion of Orchids is highly immersive, drawing the listener in with a contemporary blend of violence and atmosphere.

These songs are mood-based creations, channelling atmospheric black metal through a modern lens that includes sludge darkness, post-rock resplendence, and a blackgaze edge, rounding out a post-black metal sound that’s compelling and well-rendered.

Acceptance bleed emotion into the ether as they tear through the songs like it’s the last thing they’ll do. Driven by fury and layered with melancholy and despair, these songs are exemplars of blackened might as viewed from a hopeless, lightless vantage point. The singer’s passionate screams and roars are very well-performed, working with the music to ensure maximum impact.

This is a really strong record, and really enjoyable. Acceptance have impressed. If you’re a fan of bands such as Altar of Plagues, Ba’al, Deafheaven, Downfall of Gaia, Heir, Regarde les Hommes Tomber, Silver Knife, and Wolves in the Throne Room, you won’t want to miss out on Crucifixion of Orchids.