AC who take their name from a reinterpretation of the Faust legend (the talking monkey) are a truly unique band in extreme Metal who take in Black, Death, Progressive and Ambient influences to create something wholly original that proves difficult for many fans to buy into. Extremely brutal at times, their music is classic Black/Death Metal full of gruff vocals and blast beats that purveyors of the genre love but put that against Progressive elements that have clean harmonious vocals and guitar motifs that are very mellow and some hardened fans may not appreciate the juxtaposition.

It's all too easy to appear to stand out from the crowd by mixing these polar opposites yet AC are equally adept at both. You could dip into this album at various points and think that it was two completely different bands, so good are they at both elements of musical expression. Despite having openly Satanic beliefs, the band generally eschew the cliches of the genre, instead they wear tailored suits and are lyrically philosophical.

A brilliantly realised album that is jam packed with brilliant musical passages, it's an album that could change your attitude about what extreme metal is capable of. Shelter From The Sand is one of the finest Metal songs you haven't heard.

Here are two examples of how two sides of music collide yet still remain cohesive. Taken from the same album.

Some very tasteful metal ekcords thus far. Would like to see some more of the kind I can actually bang me head to, though.

I did say that the thread title sucked!

Nice thread! I'm looking forward to reading more.

A few seem undecided on this album. Maybe this will change your mind. It's a long track so I was hesitant to post it but it's so damn good.

Okay, I'm sold. I have to check this album out. Some of the guitar playing on that actually reminded me of Killing Joke strangely enough. Definitely a welcome change coming from a metal guitarist.

I gave a listen to that Akercocke album this morning, great stuff JH! Hearing the whole thing I have to say I noticed even more of a Killing Joke influence. Definitely unusual for this kind of band and pretty cool for a Killing Joke fan like myself.

It's funny that you mention Killing Joke because during my first listen I really didn't hear it, but after my second one I really can. I ended up listening to their debut album twice today and then Hosannas from the Basement of Hell in the car while running errands.

I must admit to not noticing that before but now you mention it- there is a whiff of their sound especially regarding the guitars. Glad you liked it!

That Senser album you sent me was absolutely mind blowing.
Do you recomend anything else by them?