For the Metal scene in Turkiye, it’s good to see new and slightly different approaches in the region’s musical output. You have to admit that just maybe Engulfed, Diabolical, and Burial Invocation dominate the airwaves at this moment. For avid followers and for those who truly have their finger on the pulse in the region, they know that there is so much more to grasp and to become enraptured by. The country boasts a rich and dynamic history in the bands that spawn forth from the region. I can go on and on and list the many who may deserve your attention, but for now, let’s focus on just one, shall we?
So imagine when a band takes all the (best?) pieces of Cradle Of Filth, Naglfar, and a smidgen of Hades (Almighty) and brings it to the forefront in their own musical output. Now, some may bicker at my Hades shout-out, but please hear me out on why I hear and chose to reference such a great, obviously meaningful reference point. Archaeic who hail from a more relaxed region of the country, away from the chaotic energy that is Istanbul and, to some extent, Ankara as well. It seems the band members have taken a more symphonic and maybe melodic take on Black Metal.
As with the music itself, there is a slight Pagan-ish quality which I grasped onto. It could be the guitar phrasings, but also the much more operatic keyboard flourishes that add a bit more depth to what could be considered an otherwise standard offering. So this lends a bit more of a mood and emotion, and it’s these points I hear (or think of) shades of Hades Almighty. Which you know can definitely be a good thing. I feel that the approach they have chosen definitely sets them a bit apart from the current state of Metal in the region. Bands can be and for the most part a bit more Death Metal oriented (not a bad thing, mind you), but again, if you’re familiar with things, the country definitely have their Black Metal history to be aware of as well.
The band has progressed much from their humble beginnings. Gone is the corpse paint and some early members as well, but as we know, time and music wait for no man, and with that, they have taken the time to refine their approach both in presentation and songwriting. Having said that, I may be a bit too old-school, and I do miss the corpse paint and perhaps the earlier “grittier” sound, but again, I’m an outdated stodgy old curmudgeon, and that is just me waxing nostalgic and pining for the days of yore. Production is good for the most part. If not, perhaps a bit too clinical sounding? In the current formation, I will say they are leaning heavily into the Cradle of Filth school of thought, but not taking it to a blatant copy. The guitar tone does not have enough heft, and the drums have a mildly processed feel about them. Also, while we are on the subject of gripes. I have a slight issue with the cover art. The band updates its logo, but the cover art does not reflect this. Again, please take this as a grouchy pencil-pusher who is an artist as well, and we need to vent as it may.
After all is said and done, you cannot go wrong with giving this a moment (perhaps more) of your time. The band offers quite a refreshing change of pace and musically can be of interest for those who are fans of some of the above-mentioned bands.
