Alkhemia – Abraxas

Written by on 28-03-2024 at 18:58.

We are all familiar with the work of George Orwell, 1984. Additionally, there is another theory. A theory of the two wolves. These two works, if you can call them that, are blended by the French from Alkhemia. Their first album thus got the title Abraxas. It is a reference to the narrow-mindedness of humans and the influence of industrialization on humanity. I hope I have conveyed the mindset behind the black metal music of this Alkhemia accurately. Malpermesita Records is the record label in charge and is known for En Finir, Nydvind, Azziard, and many others. And it just so happens that many others also provide the band members that band leader and mastermind Spar could work with.

The gentlemen do not mind a second or a minute more or less since the tracks on Abraxas are often quite long. Despite that, they do not come across as boring, herewith already giving a glimpse of what’s to come. Often, excellent black metal bands bring their music to us via the Les Acteurs De L’Ombre label. But we should also keep an eye on Malpermesita Records from the North of France. Similarly, the L’Ordalie Noir label from Nantes is worth following.

Homoprescence, what could that stand for? Is it an expression of the fact that humans seem to be continuously present everywhere? Or is that just my perspective, and is it all different? In any case, this first nine-minute black metal epic song has become a track that leaves a considerable impression. There is a tight blast section, icy cold melodic lines, but most importantly, there is a very tangible, empathetic vocal palette. Very impressive. Mr. Spar has an excellent set of vocal cords and can do quite a lot with them. Doing something with it is not everything; he phrases perfectly and knows where, and especially where not, to grunt, scream, or produce other types of empathetic vocals. This makes a blast feast like Toxicon not taste like poison at all but more like a meal in a three-star restaurant.
Primaveal Pantheon lets you enjoy more than eleven minutes of all the goodies that these French musicians have in their arsenal. Melodic twin leads, swampy drum parts that drag you through the muddy vocal landscape, thundering bass themes, and once again those impressive vocals.

Abraxas by the French black metal collective Alkhemia is a huge album, a masterpiece. Don’t touch it anymore, nothing to change. Buy it, shut up and listen!

Score:

90/100

Label:

Malpermesita Records, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Homopresence
  2. Toxicon
  3. Transhumanization
  4. Primaveal Pantheon
  5. Reminiscence Quintessence

Line-up:

  • James Spar – Vocals, synthesizer
  • Le Prince – Guitars
  • A.S.A  -Bass guitar
  • Marbas – Guitars
  • Alex Josien – Drums

Links: