The Crypt opens once again in today’s blood-soaked release of vampyric black metal from California-based AKASHA.
The debut EP Consuming the Soul, released by Grey Matter Productions, is a violent and chaotic hypnosis induced by this up-and-coming cult of vampyric darkness. Undeniably exsanguinated, this release is an homage to the early 1st and 2nd wave black metal hordes. The limited cassette run of 50 sold out in the first day of release, and for good reason. Akasha display a raw and pulsing example of what the underground raw scene is brewing still today.
Consuming the Soul opens with a trance-like intro of Transylvanian bloodlust and night worship. They set the mood perfectly for the maelstrom of thrashy blackened frenzy that comes afterward–5 more tracks of lo-fi black metal that claws its way out of the coffin and wraps its leathery wings around its victims.
Following the intro, the album kicks in with thrash-ridden riffs driven aggressively with haunted vocals that pierce through the mix. The combination is torturous and nocturnal, while the drums pummel the melodies into musty castle echoes. “Soul Consumption” is a volatile track brimming with tortured isolation, with catchy riffs that keep you hooked until the last bite. All of the elements of vampirism, all the imagery–the tall and earthy walls, overhanging a peak over the unforgiving, inky ocean–are further developed through the raw and distant production on the album. It is just clean enough to make out the scabrous and violent melodies and the harrowing vocals, while keeping the musty dungeon vibe prevalent all throughout the record.
The final track of the album delivers the final puncture of fang to flesh and releases a geyser of blood-soaked mayhem, with a feature from Lord II of San Francisco based black metal sect BYYRTH. It seeps into an echoing outro that writhes with the thirst of the undead and wraps up the release full circle.
Consuming the Soul was released in digital and cassette formats through Grey Matter Productions on June 22nd, 2018. As mentioned earlier, the cassette sold out on the first day of release. Those interested in hearing this impressive debut EP that is sure to top some Black Metal Album of the Year charts in December can head over to the Akasha Bandcamp, or through GMP as well.
Thrive on the essence with AKASHA and support the unholy vampyric underground! Writhe with the creatures of the night…
-Lurker
The Moldy Crypt 