Akiavel Summon the Ghosts of Melodeath’s Past on “Frozen Beauties”

Is melodic death metal due for a renaissance? It might be a bit premature to say that, but purely anecdotal evidence — aka shit I’ve seen a few random people say on Twitter — suggests that there’s a renewed interest in old In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Soilwork, etc. amongst metalheads that are too young have experienced that stuff in real time. And this development is fine with me! A lot of those bands have gotten shit on pretty badly in the popular discourse in recent years, judged by their milquetoast later material instead of their groundbreaking early work.

2021 could be the year for Akiavel, then, a group of French upstarts who are keen on leaning into the genre’s heavier side (think: later At the Gates and Carcass). On their latest single, “Frozen Beauties,” the band expertly weave Amott-worthy riffs and composition with roaring, dynamic vocals, and the result is hard to turn away from: this band’s got something. And cyclical trends being what they are, the time could be right.

“We are very proud of this album,” says guitar player Chris. “When the pandemic hit, and all our shows were cancelled, we adapted, becoming more creative and much more brutal in our music.”  

You can watch the video for “Frozen Beauties” below. Akiavel’s new album, Væ Victis — their sophomore effort — comes out on April 23; pre-order here.