Demos are always a hard affair, since a considerable chunk of them
belongs to that unlucky category of releases which, for want of a better
work done behind the studio controls, are left to dwell in mediocrity
even if they are of well-above average quality. Nonetheless, Arkhon are
commendable at the least, for having such limitations borne with
innovation and youthful fervor, so that after the convincingly forceful
demo opener "Human" sets the scene, this five-track piece doesn't let
down; punishing from beginning to end. Evidently, there is an
improvement production-wise in comparison to their previous offering,
although still not straying far from a middling caliber.Arkhon manage
to pull through a fine craft of black/death, with all five tracks
conspicuously orbiting around the pervading melody of Hellenic black
metal with measured death/thrash excursions of a more Swedish demeanor.
Tri-partite demo closer and contended highlight, "Vanity", sports
abrasive riffage interluded with slower, chugging parts. Female vocals
and keyboards keep the listener at a constant state of anticipation for
the final discharge, which welcomingly comes blasting through with the
track's third and concluding part. Swerving between relentless
aggression and melancholic harmonies, the transpiring aura of "I Am the
Skull", coalesced with the well thought-out lyricism, gives off a clear
sense of distinctiveness, a lasting imprint so to speak, which delivers
the demo's musical concept with conviction. All ill-fated hindrances
aside, this may well be a promising sign of the best that is yet to come
from this Cypriot outfit.
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