Acheron
Tribute To The Devil’s Music
Black Lotus
I have just one request. Next time can you try to condense even more about the band’s history onto smaller print? I think the disc was half over before I arrived at the closing thoughts of “world conquest” and “enemies eliminated from existence.” Authenticating the ideals of true evil and denouncing anything to do with Christianity, Acheron is one band you can be sure ain’t just going through the motions. Tribute To The Devil’s Music is twelve tracks documenting their many dark covers throughout the years as one of Metal’s most outspoken extremists. Their history reaches back to ‘88, when their debut album, Messe Noir, was released. Their leader Vincent Crowley has since maintained a devout Satanic following, having gone so far to debate the issues on televised forums and ultimately becoming a charter member of LaVey’s church before later disassociating himself to act alone.
Acheron’s been a staple on the Black/Death Metal scene for some fifteen years, and as they exist today, Crowley and crew are close to completing their first full-length of new material in four years. Their latest tribute pays homage to the Metal underground of the past, featuring covers of (What!?) “Black Sabbath,” Frost’s “Dawn Of Meggido,” Maiden’s “Wrathchild,” Bathory’s “Raise The Dead” and Venom’s “Countess Bathory,” before reaching back to torch up one of their own lost souls, “Ave Satanas,” which first appeared on their Rites Of The Black Mass release in 1992. While many of the so-called “Black” Metal and Death bands fill the pages with propagandist bullshit that’s usually layered with the same Satanist psycho-babble and pasty-faced poses, you can rest assured with Acheron that the spikes, spears and devil horn signs are for real! Their discography covers 12 releases including rarities and compilations and soundtracking stuff, but all things considered, they must be doing something right. Each song maintains its original sense of purpose and individual characteristics, enhanced by the winter chill effect of low-droned guitar riffs, Crowley’s death growls and ominous backing chants. While off center moments like Kiss’ “War Machine” or Priest’s “Devil’s Child” make sense in conventional “rebellious” wisdom, what, no Slayer? Highlighted moments are storming covers of Death’s “Evil Dead,” Kreator’s “Flag Of Hate,” Mercyful Fate’s instrumental “Room Of Golden Air,” the Venom shred and Acheron’s “enhanced” version of their own song!
Acheron: http://www.deathmetal.com/acheron/
