Azketem – Amid

Only a year and a half after the previous, sophomore full-length was released on Darkness Shall Rise, they now announced the return of Azketem! Who is Azketem then? It’s a Berlin-based project by a mastermind and sole member Azken. Amid (All Metal Is Dead) is his third album comprised of following six tracks.

Tracklist:

1. Erected to Commemorate
2. End It All
3. Nights Adrift
4. T.O.I.F.T.G.
5. ‘By Light
6. Riven Astray

Amid isn’t your typical black nor gothic metal album. Instead, it’s a piece of atmospheric black/gothic/doom metal album, incorporating melancholic, melodic, and often mid-paced metal, that blends elements of traditional black metal with gothic rock and atmospheric doom. Whilst continuing their style known from previous releases, first and foremost, Amid represents a sonically new chapter. Thus, the music is characterized by a slow, melancholic and deeply immersive sound – featuring a raw yet polished production, moody atmosphere, and emotional and melancholic depth.

The album has six songs, and “Erected to Commemorate” is the opening one. It features slow pace, yet with an opening scream that is frightening and terrifying. Next one is called “End it All” being sligthly different than its predecessor, featuring this deep tone, clean vocals and some nice melancholic melodies. “Nights Adrift” has a bit of groove and savage riffing, although the vocals and melodic lines are proof of the genre blending that I mentioned earlier in this review. “T-O-I-F-T-G” is another interesting offering, with the guitars maintaining much of the presence, coupled with some nice clean vocals. “By Light” features some punding rhythms, clean vocals, disturbingly harsh and raucous riff, and a tasty blend of hope and despair. Finally, we come to the final offering named, “Riven Astray”. The track showcases a melancholic and somehow ‘dreamy’ sound that blends dark metal with influences similar to Type O Negative or Katatonia, moving toward a new, denser style of gothic/atmospheric metal, while utilizing clean and emotional vocals alongside harsher tones. The raw production equally impresses, with a rich bass foundation, listenable yet varied vocals, and clearly defined instruments.

I would like to appreciate and compliment Azken for the songwriting quality and the cohesive atmosphere, often highlighting the balance between ‘light and dark elements in the best possible manner. Amid will please most fans of atmospheric black metal, as well as gothic rock such as Type O Negative, Katatonia, Fields Of The Nephilim, Ember Sun, Saturnus etc.

For more information on this instalment from Azketem visit DSR’ bandcamp or just press the ‘play’ button bellow and lose yourself in these numerous melancholic sounds of Amid.