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September 7, 2008 |
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AKERCOCKE - Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone
Earache (2005) |
9.5/10 |
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01. Verdelet
02. Seduced
03. Shelter From The Sand
04. Eyes Of Dawn
05. Abadonna, Dying In The Sun
06. Words That Go Unspoken
07. Intractable
08. Seraphs And Silence
09. The Penance
10. Lex Talionis
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This is the fourth album from this London, UK-based Black Metal act, whose fans have become used to the band releasing a new disc every other year. This time around, Earache Records didn't hesitate to put a sticker on the cover advertising this album for fans of OPETH, EMPEROR and RUSH. So far, despite enthusiastic reactions from the media, AKERCOCKE haven't received the recognition they deserve, at least on this side of the Atlantic. Their latest effort "Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone" should bring them to this level.
Right of the bat, the opening track, "Verdelet", sets the pace with a familiar, straight forward vibe in fine AKERCOCKE fashion. There is no funny "horror flick" intro as on the previous album, "Choronzon", and the musicianship is as tight as usual. The super fast "Seduced" keeps up the same level of intensity with a Death/Black Metal sound similar to CRADLE OF FILTH and MORBID ANGEL, and "Shelter From The Sand" comes closer to the progressive influences claimed on the album cover with more use of clear vocals. The sound on this album is simply huge - thanks to the mixing work done by Neil Kernon (CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEICIDE, USURPER). This track is one of the most impressive pieces ever recorded by (frontman) Jason Mendonca and Co. With "Eyes Of Dawn", AKERCOCKE switch back to more traditional Black/Death Metal, which easily reminds you of a band such as BLOODBATH.
The interlude of "Abbadonna, Dying In The Sun" takes us back to the dark ambiance of 2003's "Choronzon", and "Words That Go Unspoken" clearly shows the influences of OPETH or even PORCUPINE TREE. However, there is obviously no attempt here to copy somebody else's style. The increasing level of energy towards the end of the song will remind you that this is none other than AKERCOCKE. The next song, "Intractable", sticks to the same style - very progressive yet catchy! "Seraphs And Silence" provides more traditional Black Metal characteristics very reminiscent of their second release, "The Goat Of Mendes" (2003). The aggressiveness isn't going anywhere with "The Penance", which despite some Prog and even jazzy elements, is very intense. "Lex Talionis" closes this album in a very Folk way with a melody that could put some of the currently established progressive acts to shame.
Showing absolutely no weakness, this album will keep the listener entertained from the beginning to the end. It is also important to mention that there is a limited edition available with a bonus DVD. AKERCOCKE is without a doubt one of the most talented bands out there who are just being true and honest about their art. "Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone" is a classic and a highly recommended pick.
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