Review: Akhlys — House of the Black Geminus

Band: Akhlys
Album: House of the Black Geminus
Genre: Black Metal
Country: United States
Label: Debemur Morti Productions
Released: July 5th, 2024

Introduction

Akhlys, the renowned black metal band from the US, is back with its 4th full album House of the Black Geminus. It’s been 4 years since their latest work Melinoë was released to the masses. But as well known (read; hope) “Good things come to those that wait” and that’s certainly the case now.

My introduction to the band was with when that aforementioned third album, Melinoë was released. It was suggested to me by a friend to give that album a spin, he was sure I would like it, and he wasn’t wrong (he mostly isn’t when he recommends something though). But as said, it has almost been a 4-year-long wait for this new album, and I had for the most part lost track of them during this time.

As such, the new album took me by surprise because someone on our discord server said a new album was released. So I dove into the abyssal terror they created with their latest release, peered into the darkness and madness the album creates, and was ready to share my thoughts on it.

House of the Black Geminus

As said, I survived the abyss the band created on this latest album, and an abyss it is. From the moment you press play on your record player or your favorite streaming service, this album grabs you by every fibre of your being. And it won’t let go until the very last second and the album stops playing, and even after that happens, there is still a lingering feeling that remains with you.

So the album stopped playing, it left this strange feeling, and you wonder what the hell just happened, that were my thoughts after the first play through. To be fair, you get used to that feeling and that thought didn’t occur after my second spin. But the first time hearing this was a special experience, that’s for sure.

Track list:

  1. The Mask of Night-Speaking
  2. Maze of Phobetor
  3. Through the Abyssal Door
  4. Black Geminus (instrumental)
  5. Sister Silence, Brother Sleep
  6. Eye of the Daemon — Daemon I

As seen above, the new album contains 6 new tracks with a run time of almost 53 minutes, and those minutes fly by fast because the abyss they created doesn’t know time, it seems. But that isn’t a bad thing though, I love it when you put on a record and time just passes without you actively knowing.

And that passing of time starts from the moment The Mask of Night-Speaking starts. The haunting opening sets such a great atmosphere, it is mesmerizing, and that continues through the rest of the track. It all has a very eerie feeling to it. I could go on and on about it, but to be honest, you need to experience this album for yourself (advice: listen to it on headphones for the first time).

The second track, Maze of Phobetor starts off very fast-paced, with pummelling drums and icy cold vocals. The entire album is put together very well. It’s mixed great, and it sounds spectacular on headphones or speakers alike.

I’m not going to do a track by track highlights because this album is a discovery you need to undertake by yourself. Just know that it’s all very well put together.

One other thing I want to mention is the fact that this album reminds me a lot of the soundtrack of Quake 1 and 2, those were made by Nine Inch Nails, but it has that same industrial feeling. For me, that is a bonus because those soundtracks are among the best made for any games.

Conclusion

House of the Black Geminus by Akhlys is a very well-made album and was definitely worth the wait. This album will end up on my Album of the Year list, I’m pretty sure about that, even though the year is far from over.

I recommend this album well to everyone that loves black metal, give this album a try and dive into that abyss yourself, I am sure you won’t be disappointed when you emerge (if you do emerge that is).

BMZ Rating: 9 – Excellent: This is a standout album with superb talent and creativity. It’s impactful, memorable, and likely to be celebrated within the black metal genre.

Your thoughts on House of the Black Geminus?

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