Azketem – Azketem

Azketem, despite being the self-titled release of German One-man Black Metal act, is in actuality the second Full-Length released under their current moniker and the fourth overall, counting his original two Demos, all of which have been released since the bands inception back in 2017 under the name In Azketem. 

Musically, the easiest way for me to describe it would be very Post-Black inspired – A toned down approach dominated by slow, repetitive yet unyielding riffs with plenty of space for each instrument to display their strengths – Adding their own unique piece to the mechanical monotony. Even the vocals are not considered sacrosanct in this, effectively functioning as yet another instrument in a heavily structured whole. A very interesting approach to be sure, one not unlike other Post-Black Metal acts that I have come across in the past (most noticeably their kinsmen Trautonist), albeit with a distinct lack of disconnect that I often find I enjoy when delving into this particular genre (again, Trautonist comes to mind). So while I most certainly aknowledge the merit of Azketem and can see clear talent on display, a more clearly-defined vision for the release would not go amiss as far as this very picky reviewer is concerned. A more oppressive atmosphere slowly building across the nine tracks and crescendoing at the tail-end of the forty-three minutes of performance would, in my opinion, easily push this release from “interesting” to “great”. 

But, as always, do not merely take my word for it – Darkness Shall Rise have been kind enough to share the album in its entirety for you to peruse at your leisure (link below). 

Azketem | Facebook