French powerhouse ACOD is back with a new album. We dove in and are ready to share our thoughts on it.
Band: ACOD
Album: Versets Noir
Genre: Melodic Black/Death
Country: France
Label: Hammerheart Records
Released on: 26th of April 2024
Introduction
ACOD is a renowned band in the black/death metal scene that originated from France. They released their latest album, Versets Noir, so it’s time to dive into the latest work of ACOD and see what they cooked up this time.
I first got to know them when they released Fourth Reign over Opacities and Beyond, which was their fifth record; this was even though they had started off their journey with Point Zero in 2009.
After their fifth album, I had some expectations when this album was announced to the world, so the question is: Were the expectations matched by the new release or not?
Versets Noir
To answer that question, I can say yes, they were met by the production quality of Versets Noir because it is outstanding, just as the fifth album was. This album also has great sound engineering – each instrument can be heard clearly in the mix without losing anything or overpowering another part. The drum work deserves special recognition for providing a powerful rhythmic base for heavy guitar riffs and intense vocals.
What sets Versets Noir apart from other records is its atmospheric character, which can catch you off guard at any moment. This group knows how to create dark and immersive atmospheres very well indeed, and they do not disappoint with this album either: right from the beginning until the end, haunting melodies together with unrelenting riffs keep playing in your mind long after listening.
Tracklist:
- Habentis Malefica
- The Son Of A God (The Heir of Divine Blood)
- A Thousand Lives In A Second
- May This World Burn
- Black Trip (Samael cover)
A Thousand Lives, In A Second third song on Versets Noir, shines bright among others – here we see what happens when different things get mixed by one band like ours! The drumming section especially stands out because of complex beats used throughout the track duration; however, everything flows nicely into another part, making the whole song sound coherent while the vocals mix very well with it. It’s a great song overall.
Track number five, called Black Trip, is actually a cover version originally performed by Swiss act Samael but reworked into their style. ACOD definitely knows how to adapt someone else’s material so that it fits perfectly within a given context. Here they have managed to retain its core essence and added some fresh elements which make it their song.
Conclusion
To sum everything up, Versets Noir should be considered as an integral part of their discography, it’s a continuation of their previous work, and it’s a great foundation for more to come. Whether you’ve been following this group for years or just got introduced to them today; do yourself a favor and take a listen.
I enjoyed the album and can’t wait to what they have in store for us in the coming years. You can listen to the full album by clicking on the video below, when you do let us know on our channels what you think of the album.
BMZ Rating: 7,5/10
Support ACOD here: https://acod.bandcamp.com/album/versets-noirs
Your thoughts on this album
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