Akaname “Filthlicker” CD

"Filthlicker" is the debut EP from New Zealand's Akaname on Debello Recordings, tearing through five tracks of intriguingly diverse and jarring metalcore in about 20 minutes. I've always been very picky when it comes to the more discordant and chaotic side of the "metalcore" realm, but there's something about these tracks that works very well. For one thing, the recording is nice and dense, and the vocals have a harsher and more aggressive tonality than the borderline irritating cackled screams and shrieks that often plague this niche of the genre, so there's a certain warmth and ferociousness going on that certainly adds to the overall impact. But they also tend to throw in a little more variety than usual as well, and without losing sight of transitions or the big picture of the songs' sense of feeling. So, while there are plenty of the expected quick shifts from chugging rhythmic fits to bursts of flurried notes, there are also some subtle samples and electronic noise textures beneath the surface, as well as some churning death metal-infused riffs—complete with warped pinch harmonics and thick, gnashing picking patterns that make for some surprisingly meaty moments. Much more interesting than the legions of bands out there tossing out fifth-rate Botch/Dillinger ripoffs, you know?

Akaname "The Garden Path"

Oddly enough the band's vocalist left shortly after the recording of this EP, and they've decided to carry on as an instrumental act, so... I guess we'll see how that plays out when their full-length hits the streets. Hopefully they won't lose any steam.

Get It

Debello Recordings
Interpunk