Artist: Archont
Country: Austria
Label: Altare Productions
Formats: Demo Tape
Year: 2026
Although there is very little known about this band, it is most likely that Archont is from Austria as they are claimed to be part of the Symbolismus Werke Circle (Archaist and Nahtrunar). This is said to be crushing War Metal, so quite something different from the otherwise rather sophisticated sort of Atmospheric/Raw Black Metal of Nathrunar. But these guys are also in an ambient project called Hesychia, so they do not limit themselves to only one style or genre.
But, to get straight to the point, judging on ‘Macht:Demonstration’ it is clear that these guys better stick to their current projects. I personally love Nathrunar, especially the earliest recordings, and they show an impeccable sense for atmosphere and dense riffing, but War Metal is quite a different ball game. It is a grave misconception that tuning your guitars slightly lower, treating your drums as if you were a lumberjack, and beginning to bark something unintelligible over them will automatically result in “crushing War Metal”.
To be frank, ‘Macht:Demonstration’ exactly sounds like they were doing just that. But it was not played or recorded with the same conviction like, for instance, Archgoat Teitanblood, Conqueror or Proclamation. The necessary spark is missing, that spark is pure wild energy and aggression, and meaning it. As a whole ‘Macht:Demonstration’ is just a collection of riffs with forced clumsy drumming. This will immediately expose that these guys are not totally committed to what they’re doing.
While it is not entirely bad, it just lacks the feeling and understanding. The latter is mostly evident in an overly sterile production. Even just listening to half a song of Blasphemy or Beherit will teach you that keeping things clean will not work. Especially in today’s scene with a staggering amount of new bands doing this style, Archont will not be able to keep up with the competition.
