The Oslo-based occult rockers Acârash is a rather interesting outfit with a deep-seated esoteric aspect to it. There is a tinge of both psychedelia and melancholy to the band’s fluid and eclectic mix of dark rock, black metal, stoner rock, and doom metal. Think weird avantgarde rock from the 70s with an unsettling 80s black metal vibe to it for lack of a better description. Sinister riffs, a warm and fuzzy production, and lots of light and shade as well as some haunting nuances and textures are what these moody suckers offer and I might as well tell you right here and now that the music spawned by these dudes is quite creepy and infinitely dark in places. In fact, there were times when I felt like taking a shower after having listened to "In Chaos Becrowned" as it is somewhat nasty and unpleasant in places, but on the other hand, it is also delightfully groovy and twisted at times.

 

Acts as diverse as Pentagram and Tulus come to mind when listening to this 8-track opus of theirs. Heck, some of those slithering melodies even bring to mind the legendary "Grymyrk" demo by the stellar Norwegian outfit Thorns. There is a lively and vibrant yet claustrophobic and oppressive vibe to "In Chaos Becrowned" that is accentuated and underlined by feedback, scrapes, and noise from the guitars, which then in turn goes back to what I stated about the album having a 70s occult rock feeling to it. It actually sounds like a band playing and recording together as opposed to having laid down individual tracks in the studio. The lyrics are glorious and splendid too, so make sure you pay attention to those while listening to the foul sounds conjured up by Acârash.

If Darkthrone and 13th Floor Elevators had an ugly love child, Acârash would be it, and that is most definitely to be taken as a compliment. Do not miss out on this excellent record regardless of where your musical preferences lie.

 

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