Akercocke – Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone   

Actions speak louder than words and this one speaks volumes

Over the course of their three previous albums (2000’s Rape Of The Bastard Nazarene, 2000’s The Goat Of Mendes and 2003’s Choronzon), English extreme metallers Akercocke have earned quite the reputation for their somewhat unique mix of death and black metal that is laced with all sorts of electronics and keyboards. After guitarist Paul Scanlan left the band in Novermber 2004, vocalist and guitarist Jason Mendonca, bassist Peter Theobalds and drummer David Gray continued on for almost six months before Matt Wilcock (ex-The Berzerker) was officially welcomed into the band. The result is Akercocke’s most diverse and accomplished release to date that sees them once again working with Neil Kernon (Nevermore, Britny Fox, Daryl Hall and John Oates).

Not one for messing about, Akercocke launch straight into Verdelet. The aggressive barrage of double kick work and guttural throatwork both switch effortlessly to some tasteful, dynamic drumming and clean, screaming vocals making for an opening track that is as diverse as it is strong. The brutality continues with the blast beat laden Seduced but it’s tracks such as the epic Shelter From The Sand which features Godflesh like textures, beautiful melodies, manic filled laughter and even a Moog like synth passage that really shine on this album. The blast beats of Eyes Of The Dawn are book ended by a droning, noise laden intro and matching outtro which somewhat segues into the effects based interlude Dying In The Sun.

The real kicker that some may think won’t work for a band such as Akercocke is the progressive, Tool-ish Words That Go Unspoken (Part 1). From its Undertow era like beginning, it soon morphs into a semi Opeth like melodic death metal mid section that may sound bizarre to some, but rest assured it works well as the track epileptically switches back and forth. In fact, Intractable (Words That Go Unspoken Part 2), as you would expect by the name alone, follows in the same vein. Any concerns that Akercocke have possibly sold out by the previous couple of tracks will surely be put to rest by the flat out extreme death metal blast of Seraphs And Silence and The Penance. The solemn percussion and keyboard lead final track, Lex Talionis, wraps things up with a haunting vocal melody.

As a follow up to Choronzon, Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone is a substantial leap forward that exhibits as much diversity as it does sheer brutality, the later of which we expect from Akercocke. There are possibly a couple of surprises on the album but they are not out of place. Instead, they merely enhance the overall experience of listening to Akercocke’s finest release to date.

(Earache Records/Shock Distribution)

Added: October 16th 2005
Reviewer: Simon Milburn
Score:
Related Link: Official Website
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