There’s nothing that can compare to a proper slab of death metal done right. It’s the sort of splendor that has propped up the genre for decades now without a single sign of slowing down in any form whatsoever, yet, of course, that doesn’t mean every iteration manages to tap into that very excellence. Given the spread death metal has garnered the world over, damn near every country in the world has been exposed to the grotesque magnificence. South America is no different, containing almost what’s certainly one of the most underrated scenes of the genre in the whole world. Out of Colombia, Akheron adds credit to that notion with their latest creation.

For all that death metal can be capable of, there are certain avenues that many seem more than keen to perpetuate and for all the right reasons. All you need is a band that knows precisely how to bring about such dark grandeur, an understanding of the genre that is intimate, and the musicianship to bring it all together in such a form that does the sound justice. It’s a tall order, but there are still those that can get it done with Akheron certifiably such a name. With a powerful approach that is truly slime-ridden in nature and more than willing to use to power of undeath to their advantage to ensure that the nine tracks of “El Despertar” are as lethal, eviscerating, and engaging that one could ask for out of death metal that knows well and truly what it’s doing right from the beginning. Infused with more than a little bit of thrash metal to really add a visceral intensity to the mix of death metal that is already captivating at the start, it’s throughout the album that Akheron uses their accrued knowledge to tremendous effect whilst the alchemy, dark magic, and murderous intentn ensure “El Despertar” is nothing that can be easily put down. Through riffs, intimidating melodies, and loads of power to throw around, Akheron slays left and right without compromise to make their third album an absolute belter.

For quite some time now, people have been sleeping on what South America can bring to the table in ways of death metal with there only occasionally being bands that are able to come around  and really show us what can be done from there. They’re just as competent as any other band in any other scene in the world with bands like Akheron a perfect representation of that fact. With albums like “El Despertar”, how can one think any differently?

LISTEN to “El Despertar” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Akheron on Facebook here.