Beyond Shape. Beyond Boundaries.
Only 1 ½ years after the previous full length was released on Darkness Shall Rise, we are thrilled to announce AZKETEM’s return.
AMID, the third album of Berlin based AZKETEM whilst continuing their style known from previous releases, first and foremost, represents a sonically new chapter. Besides keeping with the tradition of christening his albums with a single word starting with the letter a, AMID is also proof that AZKETEM’s mastermind and sole member Azken is still driven to craft melancholic and densely atmospheric Metal.
Yet, while the bleak atmosphere the latest offering’s six tracks wallow in remains pretty much the same, the means by which these are being evoked rather strongly differ from previous efforts. Most strikingly, there’s various elements to be found on the album that are reminiscent of bands like TYPE O NEGATIVE, KATATONIA or even FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM.
Thus, despite the occasional, traditional Black Metal riffing, the use of double-bass and some harsh vocals sparsely spread throughout the album, AMID sees AZKETEM drifting away from Black Metal even more than its predecessor. Instead of attempting to remain within boundaries imposed by genres, Azken confidently takes whatever he deems fit to authentically translate his creative impulse and vision into music. This bold approach resulted in a great album which defies categorization.
AMID will equally please fans of atmospheric Black Metal as well as Gothic Metal/Rock as it will appeal to persons keen on losing themselves in melancholic sounds in general.
LP with 12″ insert, 150 x black vinyl
