To Embrace the Corpses Bleeding

Judas Iscariot has never ceased to amaze me. The typical, nihilistic feel is usually what trademarks Akhenaten for his style. I’m a huge fan of the melancholic darkness that you feel from his usual albums such as “Heaven in Flames” and “Dethroned, Conquered, and Forgotten.” This album, however, has a different feel. This album has a new style. It is a shame that Akhenaten ended before more albums like this one could be released. This is a style that truly shows musical dexterity.

The opening song begins with the usual intro that is to be expected from a black metal album. You hear the soft crashing of thunder and the patting of rain on the ground. Then, a louder thunder comes in. It is the thunder of black metal. The pounding of the drums and the high guitar riffs jerk you away from any feelings you might’ve felt earlier. It is clear that this album is one that will not let you stay in one mood for a long period of time. The riffs repeat over and over while Akhenaten chants his invocations of hatred. Right from the start, you can tell that the vocals are different. They have more fullness to them rather than the typical, high-pitched growling. There’s more of a feel within the music. The riffs change from time to time, but continue to make the same sounds in each pattern. Towards the end of the song, it changes the feeling completely. The drums are no longer blasting as if their lives would end. There is a steady tempo and more of a rhythm in the music. It’s something that you can easily relate to. This song shows the new style of Akhenaten.

The vocals are a lot more in tune with the music. The voice of Akhenaten manages to keep in tune with the anger and animosity of the music. These vocals aren’t the annoying ones that have no sense of timing, like Darkthrone, and aren’t taking up precious time by just coming in at random places. These vocals remind me of a seriously pissed-off Hitler. They shout out what they mean, and do not let up. If you have something to be said in your music, why not shout it out loud? Akhenaten, clearly, has no problem making his point be heard. During his other albums, his vocals sounded almost as if he didn’t want to do them. This album shows a difference in vocal variation.

The guitars are a lot more furious with what they do. They no longer hold the typical boring riffs. They almost seem to go off into their own world for awhile. This almost makes you forget that this is a black metal album. The traditional heavy metal feel reminds you of an older, darker, Iron Maiden. This allows for a more fun album.

The severe changes in the music allow for a greater album. It is a shame that Akhenaten quit after this album. If he would’ve started out with something like this, then his career would go more places. This is the last full length album of Judas Iscariot. This is a classic example of saving the best for last.