Akaname “As Above/So Below” CD

"As Above/So Below" is the latest from New Zealand-born (but now Australia-based) Akaname. About two years ago when I wrote about their debut EP, "Filthlicker", I mentioned that their vocalist had left and they were continuing as an instrumental act. This limited edition self-released EP kicks out three relatively quick songs in just about 13 minutes to demonstrate where the band's at with their new, vocal-less approach. And I have to say, not only is it very different, it's a hell of a lot better than I was expecting. For some reason I've grown less and less interested in instrumental bands over the last few years, as so many of them just can't hold my interest, but this stuff really hits the mark. Expect an assortment of off-kilter rhythms combining chugging power chords and quirky riffing with cool dissonant accents and subtle guitar effects, while warm percussion and dense bass runs fill in the gaps. Then they change things up a bit through the spacious drones, repetitious bass pulses, and faint samples of hypnotic closer "Axis Mundi". These guys have a knack for excellent sounding recordings as well. I mean, as far as I can tell two of these songs were recorded live, and the other in a practice space, yet they all sound fuckin' great. I don't know, if you were super into the chaotic, in your face metalcore of their prior work, they may have lost you along the way here, but... I think this new direction feels more thought out and diverse—certainly creating more atmosphere in the absence of vocals. Very cool. Here's one track as a mere taste (the whole thing is below):

Akaname "Yield"

Physical copies of this release do exist, but they're already sold out. However, the band is cool with it being duplicated and spread around (stating as much on the back cover), so... here's the entire EP to enjoy:

[DOWNLOAD] Akaname "As Above/So Below" (@ MediaFire)