CD Review: Amebix - Sonic Mass

Written by Ray Dunkle Monday, 23 January 2012 12:16

Artist: Amebix
Title: Sonic Mass
Genre: Extreme Metal / Crust Punk
Release Date: 23rd September 2011
Label: Easy Action Records

Album Review

After 24 years since their previous release, the legendary AMEBIX are back with their new album ‘Sonic Mass’. And despite of the fact that their fan club was never numerous their music has always been a source of influence for other artists such as Max Cavalera. The CD ‘Sonic Mass’ is their major breakthrough to a broader Metal audience without the meaning that they sold out (and this pun is headed towards the adolescent theorists of purism).

One of the major changes in that process lies in the terms of the lyrics. The band used to sing about “No Gods, No Masters” in line with the Blanquist aspect of Anarchy but in this album they have returned to a realm of myths including the god Hermes and/or other Hellenic/Egyptian deities and they have managed to combine them with an almost Viking imagination. That the band comes from the Northern parts of Scotland explains the Viking imagery but leaves open the interpretation of the almost Gnostic aspect of their lyrics. It seems that they are attacking Christianity directly in its roots by pledging allegiance with one of the most known lost Christianities.

In terms of music they have kept something from the fast riffs and hooks of the Extreme Metal and Crust Punk but at the same time they have enriched it with more Power/ Doom Metal aspects making the result look like a warlike album eviscerated with moments of contemplation. As far as it concerns the songs, ‘Knights of the Black Sun’ is not just epic, that would be an understatement - the song is majestic in scope and its sheer power and intensity. It will be no exaggeration to count it among the best Metal songs ever. And the video clip created by Andy Lefton (and directed by Fin McAteer) that comes along would make other bands just salivate over it. Though undoubtedly this song is album’s best moment it is not the only one for sure.

The opening ‘Days’ with its Melodic Doom tones takes you unprepared for what will follow especially in the second part of the CD. Yet the song sounds like they’ve blend JOY DIVISION and KILLING JOKE with Extreme Metal to produce something unique. The Celtic references are spread throughout the album yet the acoustic guitars mark stably the pace of the ‘Sonic Mass’. Speaking of which, the homonymous song builds slowly in the first part in order an ear-dropping pumping second part to follow. And in ‘Here Comes The Wolf’ the more mainstream Thrash Metal takes charge blended with an aggressiveness which is characteristic of the AMEBIX sound.

In short, this album is flawless and immaculate. For whichever reasons it took the band two years in the studio but the wait was worthwhile. Its breadth, its mystery, and its beauty make it a rare gem to be appreciated by the fans of music. Honestly I cannot recommend it enough. Absolutely fantastic album!


Tracklist

01. Days
02. Shield Wall
03. The Messenger
04. God Of The Grain
05. Visitation
06. Sonic Mass pt.1
07. Sonic Mass pt.2
08. Here Comes The Wolf
09. The One
10. Knights Of The Black Sun


Line-up

Rob Miller - Vocals/Bass
Stig C Miller - Guitars
Roy Mayorga - Drums/Keyboards/Mandolin


Websites

https://www.facebook.com/Amebix / http://www.amebix.net/


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 10
Sound: 9
Total: 9.5 / 10