Acod Pays Tribute to Samael in Their Latest Album ‘Versets Noirs’

Acod and Hammerheart Records are elated to announce ‘Versets Noirs,’ a profound new chapter for the French metal band Acod, who recently ventured into metaphysical territories to recount tales from beyond. Their journey has materialized into this latest album, meticulously crafted with Sebastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic and mastered with precision by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios. Nicolas Senegas brings the visual narrative to life through his compelling photography and cover design.

The anticipation for ‘Versets Noirs’ was constructed with the release of the first single on March 8th, accessible across all streaming platforms. Further stirring excitement, Acod introduced ‘The Son of a God (The Heir of Divine Blood),’ a track that blends ferocious speeds with lyrical narratives of otherworldly visions and eternal conflicts. This song and the entire album were released on April 26th and exhibited Acod’s refined blend of blackened death metal with melodious undertones inspired by the seminal Scandinavian scene of the ‘90s.

Furthermore, the music video for ‘The Son of a God (The Heir of Divine Blood),’ produced by Cana Prod and featuring the Wolvcraft Creations’ designed attire, captures a mesmerizing encounter between the chosen one and a sorority of witches, a pivotal narrative from ‘Versets Noirs.’ This visual piece, now available on Black Metal Promotion, enhances the album’s thematic richness.

The story of Acod begins in the spirited cityscape of Marseille, a melting pot of cultures and artistic expressions that profoundly influenced the founding members. Each member brought a distinct musical heritage, ranging from the traditional chansons of French folklore to the hard-hitting metal riffs, blending these diverse influences into a unique sonic amalgam. The band’s name, a cryptic allusion to their musical adaptability and depth, was chosen to reflect their eclectic approach.

The early days were apparent by experimental gigs in local venues, where Acod quickly established a reputation for their energetic performances and complex lyrical content. The cultural dynamism of Marseille, with its historical ties to European and Mediterranean traditions, provided a fertile backdrop for their creative explorations. These formative experiences played a crucial role in shaping their artistic identity as they navigated the challenges of merging diverse musical genres into a coherent style.

A robust narrative quality, weaving stories about personal and collective experiences, depicted Acod’s initial compositions. Their first significant track, ‘Watch Me Dying,’ was a poignant reflection on the notions of freedom and constraint, drawing on personal events and philosophical inquiries. The song showcased their ability to embed deep meaning within the layers of their music, setting the stage for the thematic complexity that would define their later works.

Throughout the years, their intellectual enrichment led to a more sophisticated approach to songwriting and composition. The band started to employ more complex structures to reflect the thematic intricacies of their songs. The evolution of their sound during these early years until now was not just a result of technical improvement but a deliberate choice to use music as a tool for intellectual and emotional expression.

Acod’s influence extends beyond their immediate musical output, impacting broader cultural trends and artistic expressions within France and beyond. Their ability to meld disparate musical genres—from French folk to avant-garde metal—has attracted a diverse audience and inspired many musicians to experiment with cross-genre synthesis. The band’s success has demonstrated the commercial viability of innovative, genre-blending music, encouraging record labels to invest in similar artists who challenge traditional genre boundaries.

Internationally, Acod has cultivated a dedicated following, resonating particularly well in regions with a strong appreciation for eclectic and thought-provoking music. Their international tours have expanded their fan base and influenced local music scenes, inspiring similar fusions of cultural and musical elements in other countries. The band’s ability to connect with global audiences underscores their thematic explorations’ universal appeal and relevance.

Initially acknowledged for their aggressive blend of black and thrash metal, Acod shifted towards a more atmospheric and layered sound around the release of ‘The Divine Triumph’ in 2018. This album hinted at a new direction with its massive string arrangements and dramatic drumming, moving away from the thrash-heavy rhythms of their earlier efforts. The progression was denoted by aggressive riffs and expansive orchestral elements, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

‘Versets Noirs’ continues this trajectory but significantly changes the band’s album structure and songwriting approach. Unlike typical albums in the genre, which often contain nine to thirteen tracks, ‘Versets Noirs’ features just five lengthy compositions, totaling forty-two minutes. This format allows for deeper exploration of themes and more elaborate musical passages, strengthening quality over quantity. The album concludes with a bold cover of Samael’s ‘Black Trip,’ seamlessly integrated into the album’s flow and as a fitting capstone to the thematic and musical motifs explored.

The album opens with the epic ‘Habentis Maleficia,’ a track that spans over twenty minutes and showcases a range of vocal styles and instrumental textures. Starting with dissonant tones that gradually meld into a cohesive groove, the song features a mix of raspy vocals, French spoken-word segments, and resonant clean singing. The structural foundation of the track is built on continuous crescendos and diminuendos, effectively conveying a spectrum of emotions. Along with others on the album, this track incorporates Gorgoroth-inspired melodies and intense black metal passages juxtaposed with serene piano and string sections, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both aggressive and soothing.

The dual guitar work on the album is particularly noteworthy, offering intricate interplays that enrich the sonic landscape. The bass guitar rises prominently at times, adding a distinct texture to the mix. This approach not only showcases the technical skills of the musicians but also enhances the overall atmospheric quality of the album.

‘The Son of a God (The Heir of Divine Blood)’ highlights compelling guitar riffs and a vocal performance that perfectly complements the instrumental backdrop. The track oscillates between aggressive and melodic phases, illustrating the band’s potential to blend intensity with emotive musicality. Another standout, ‘May This World Burn,’ captures the essence of ‘Versets Noirs’ with its dynamic shifts from delicate string arrangements to robust metal riffs, embodying the album’s thematic and musical diversity.

Comparatively, while ‘Fourth Reign over Opacities and Beyond’ remains a seminal work in Acod’s discography, ‘Versets Noirs’ represents a significant step forward regarding experimental ambition and artistic maturity. The album’s exploration of complex themes through a refined musical lens speaks to the band’s growth and willingness to push the boundaries of genre conventions.

‘Versets Noirs’ is not just a continuation of Acod’s sonic legacy but a bold redefinition of it. It reflects a band that has grown confident in its artistic vision, embracing a broader and more experimental approach to black metal. This album is recommended for those who appreciate a fusion of intense metal with expansive orchestral elements, offering a listening experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

In addition to new creations, Acod pays homage to their musical roots with a stirring cover of Samael’s ‘Black Trip,’ acknowledging the lasting influence of the Swiss band’s 1994 seminal work on their musical identity. This cover, part of the new album, also weighs the band’s connection to the genre-defining sounds of the past while engaging with their current thematic exploration of the occult.

Acod’s presence on the 2024 metal cruise further demonstrates their dynamic performance ability and engagement with old and new fans. Their performances on the cruise, especially during the visually thematic cosplay day, will draw their continued relevance and energy on stage, providing a rare treat for attendees and solidifying their place in the current metal scene.