They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, or indeed, an album. Many of us have, especially in the world of heavy music. One look at the new album artwork on Aussie band, Arkheth’s “Clarity Came With A Cool Summer’s Breeze” and you know there’s a going to be a journey on the track listing. Hell, the title alone screams hippie trippy. By no means a new band, they have been around since 2003 and this fourth release represents a move further into prog territory whilst still maintaining some of their death metal leaning roots.

The peaceful sound of flowing water and birdsong introduces “In The Cradle Of The Crescent Moon”. Gently plucked acoustic guitar and strings create layers of sound that slowly build into the more dramatic “Kundalini”. A cinematic, space rock psyche out with a lovely sense of motion, it’s an epic, grandiose piece. The muted Pink Floyd sounding mid-section displays the bands influences before the appearance of saxophone out of nowhere giving it an unexpected “Hot Rats” era Frank Zappa slant. Imagine Hawkwind meets Zappa meets Opeth and it certainly lives up to the album’s title. There’s a certain amount of eclecticism which instantly makes boxing Arkheth in a genre an exercise in pointlessness.

“Psychonautica” moves away into a chunkier sounding affair with a psychedelic sense of pace. The shift into prog-jazz and the infusion of more sax all underpinned by some tidy drum work show the boys have studied their early King Crimson. The musicianship is stunning at times; light and flowing one moment with smooth urgency when required but all blending seamlessly. The track couples well with “Neptune Beaches” and there’s an obvious thoughtfulness to the total arrangement, not only in the individual tracks but also their sequencing. Another swinging moment appears before a descent into a full on Opeth inspired black metal breakdown.

Texturally rich and layered, there’s a hint of The Beatles’ “Sergeant Peppers…” album on “Patience In The Garden Of Fire”. The almost ten minute closing track, “Where The Ocean Meets The Sky” bookends the album with the sound of waves washing against the shore and a return to that soothingly plucked acoustic guitar. With a heavy spacious vibe it gradually builds and lifts into a folk styled black metal piece overlaid with sax and finally fades with a rumble of thunder.

There’s a terrific sense of freedom and an immersion into the idea of natural surroundings and sounds that flow through this album. Quite unexpected and one that may not grip the listener completely on the first listen, the thoughtfulness and sheer quality of the playing means that this is an album well worth exploring. Go in with an open mind and prepare to potentially have your mind opened further.

(7/10 Johnny Zed)

https://www.facebook.com/arkheth

https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/clarity-came-with-a-cool-summers-breeze