Artist: Akem Manah
Title: Beneath
Genre: Doom/ Death Metal/ Progressive/ Ambient
Release Date: January 2012
Label: Self-release
Album Review
AKEM MANAH is a Belgian doom/death metal band formed in 2007. 2010 saw the release of their debut ‘The Testament Of Sealant Mound’. They list also progressive influences and they should be seen and heard as you approach this some 20 minutes long song ‘Beneath’ that comprises this whole CD. And they’re heard in a way that enriches the song rather than overpowers it. The themes and inspirations are said to come out of existentialist school of philosophy and supernatural horror literature, which is similar to Xavier’s solo project, VOIDWORK.
At first it leans towards death metal but soon it enfolds into doom and the two are wonderfully and effortlessly interwoven throughout. There are ambient passages that add yet more layers into what is already a complex song, the string and piano components are simply beautiful and very evocative. The creative approach is felt from the first to the last note. The lyrics are somewhere between Poe and Lovecraft with Picasso’s approach of “Art is the elimination of the unnecessary” - in terms of not a word wasted and sparse form. What’s more amazing is how the lyrics are made so much more outstanding by the music and by the quietly intense vocal. At times I feel faint echoes of MY DYING BRIDE but foremostly, this is completely and utterly unique piece of work that lends itself to imagination in every single way, even in the referencing. In fact, that this is luxuriously imaginative work is its biggest appeal. You can get lost here and have a great time with this “lostness”, the intricacy and complexity will guarantee a time well spent with this. It’s ultimately it’s a very rewarding listening experience and musical journey into something quite wonderful.
Tracklist
Beneath – 21.10
Line-up
Xavier – vocals, synths
Benjamin – guitars
Ruben – bass
Michaël – drums
Websites
http://www.akemmanah.be/ / https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAkemManah
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9.5
Sound: 9
Total: 9.25 / 10
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