Autokrator - Persecution
France
Krucyator Productions
"Persecution"
is the fourth full-length album by the French black/death act
Autokrator, which was released earlier this year through
Krucyator Productions.
The
music can be described as black/death metal replete with horrific
nuances that will deeply penetrate your mind and make you feel as
though you've crossed a portal into an abysmal realm. An atmosphere
of pitch-black darkness permeates this album along with horror-like
aesthetics.
Drums are mercilessly fast and sound almost programmed at times. However, it was confirmed they weren't, which makes the performance even more impressive, considering how dynamic the drummer is.
The vocals are very deep and abrasive, yet also well-balanced in the mix. They add a menacing aspect to the music, which further accentuates the
heaviness of the riffs and drums.
The
fast and relentless bludgeoning of "De Gloria Martyrum Et
Confessorum" will make the hair on the back of your neck stand
up, while "DCLXVI" features savage vocal lines and nailing percussion that makes it equally devastating in its execution.
As
a theme, the album examines the persecutions of Christians in ancient
Rome, under the reigns of Diocletian, Marcus Aurelius, Domitian, and
Trajan.
The
songs have a tendency to blend into each other without the listener
noticing it, so you'll be forgiven for thinking that you're still
listening to the same track, while the music is well into the third
track already. It's not a bad thing. The songs have a very cohesive
flow, featuring drawn-out riffs and sinister nuances that will drag
your soul into the very depths of hell. That, combined with the
onslaught of brutal vocals - all makes Autokrator's latest
offering worthwhile, although it is not without its shortcomings: while the album is severely punishing during some parts and gets
better with repeated listens, it also has a tendency to drag a bit,
particular during the last two tracks, which are a bit more instrumental, but still enjoyable.
Autokrator's
approach varies from album to album, and that is what makes them
interesting. The sound is cleaner and less cavernous than "Hammer
Of The Heretics" without losing any of its relentlessness.
Overall,
"Persecution" is a solid album that packs a powerful punch.
It is certainly one of the more notable releases of this year and
should be investigated by fans of dark and relentless
black/death/doom. (HT)