Acheron - Those Who Have Risen

ACHERON - Those Who Have Risen (SECRET DOCTRINES - LP 2013)

I have to say that like Acheron a lot, their music always gives me a great kick in the head and I seriously think that they belong to the best US death / black metal bands ever. There are two important things, which you should always remember about concerning Acheron: firstly, it is their satanic concept, which Vincent Crowley (Acheron leader) has been faithful to ever since the inception of his legendary act. Secondly, Acheron music is exceptional. From their very first demo (“Messe Noir”), 7”EP (“Alla Xul”) and debut LP (“Rites of the Black Mass” from 1992) you could hear that they created unique and recognizable death / black metal style and sound. And have kept it alive for nearly three decades now. "Those Who Have Risen” is Acheron’s fifth full length album. And obviously from the very first seconds of the opening anthem “Lifeforce (The Blood)” you recognize that it is THIS band, not something else. There's the characteristic riffage, vocals of Crowley and the eerie, evil atmosphere, which is present on every Acheron record.   

"Those Who Have Risen” is a natural follower to all previous Acheron recordings, but to previous album “Antigod - Antichrist” especially. There's similar approach on these two albums, with music strongly based on slow paced, heavy, almost hypnotizing riffage, which is accompanied by the always-present keyboards. But while “Antigod...” had few more up-tempo parts, "Those Who Have Risen” is solely focused on that slower playing. Which is good, because when you hear these memorable riffs with dark, vicious sound of keyboard, it quickly gives cold, eerie feeling. More sinister than ever before. Because the music is quite simplistic, speaking of the song structure and riffage, the music is even more memorable and heavy, so it should hook you up pretty fast. Especially the beginning of the record, with such glorious tracks as “Lifeforce (The Blood)”, “Hekal Tiamat” and “Necromanteion Communion”. OK, I do admit that towards its end "Those Who Have Risen” may seem a bit monotonous, because the tempo never changes, so songs are pretty similar to each other. But I still like it a lot. I think that Crowley has great gift to compose great, vicious riffs and his vocals are always great. Besides, it seems like from the musical point of view "Those Who Have Risen” is one of the better, if not the best, recorded material from this band. Great musicianship, with killer drumming of Tony Laureano and two skilled guitarists, who played some very good leads like in “Hekal Tiamat”. So, for me personally "Those Who Have Risen” is definitely better album that “Antigod - Antichrist”. It may even be Acheron’s best, but that’s a hard choice, especially when confronted with “Rites of the Black Mass” or “Lex Talionis”.  

These two albums sounded harsher, more obscure. And had all these intros, to increase the evil, satanic, blasphemous aura of the music. "Those Who Have Risen” has no intros between songs (which is maybe due to different concept of the record, which here is based on the vampirism) and is better produced. But that’s natural progression, I guess, to try something different. So, even if it can get a bit monotonous and too long, it is just super good record.  

I am happy that Secret Doctrines released a fantastic vinyl version of this album – definitely the best looking Acheron LP I have! Great gatefold cover, lots of photographs (tits, yes!), poster, very, very good quality of both artwork and the music... The only minus is that it’s not a complete album, as for some reason they decided to skip the intro “Intro: Nosferatu Prelude” and the spoken backwards outro. That’s a fuckin shame, I hate, when they cut the record! But it’s great quality vinyl anyway, so it’s a must to have in collection.  

Standout tracks: “Lifeforce (The Blood)”, “Hekal Tiamat”, “Necromanteion Communion”  

Verdict: 80/100