Dutch extreme metal outfit Autarkh are now unveiling the very first track ‘Strife’, which is taken from the upcoming album “Emergent”. This new industrial offering will be released via Season of Mist underground activists on November 10, 2023. The intense, glitchy music video can now be viewed via the official Season of Mist YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BntCKYx78f0&ab_channel=SeasonofMist
Autarkh comments on the track: ”Strife shows a different direction we take on Emergent: a more straightforward approach where specific atmospheres rather than the density and intensity of Form In Motion are emphasized. Guitarist David Luiten has done an outstanding job writing this track. The remarkable guitar theme – that we reused in the AUTARKH III song Lost In Sight – captivated me instantly when I heard the original version (for a different project) in 2020, and led to this Autarkh version that we are delighted to share with you today!’’
Track-list: 1. Open Focus (6:59) 2. Strife (5:23) 3. Duhkha (5:20) 4. Trek (5:26) 5. Refocus (4:49) 6. Aperture (1:46) 7. Eye Of Horus (4:23) 8. Countless Kaleidoscopes (5:17) 9. Ka (6:14) // Total: 45:37
Dutch contemporary metal adventurers Autarkh are back with their sophomore full-length album Emergent. Michel Nienhuis, founder of Autarkh and DODECAHEDRON, teamed up again with guitarist/producer David Luiten (INFERUM), bassist Desmond Kuijk (DEAR MOTHER) and electronics wizard Tijnn Verbruggen to create the follow-up to their highly acclaimed debut album Form In Motion, released by Season Of Mist on 12 March 2021. Monica Kendrick (Chicago Reader, US) on the relevance of the group’s debut: “And I’ll call it now: given the time to flourish and sink into the ears of an audience, Autarkh will become highly influential on the next generation of extreme metal.”
Emergent is another testament to Autarkh’s imagination and creativity. It delivers increased versatility and contrast, and sees the band expand towards more uplifting and consonant territories. Form In Motion explored the boundaries of sonic extremes; on Emergent, Autarkh broadens its horizon and shows diversity and nuance while preserving its intense and razor-sharp edge.
With nine tracks, Emergent is a sonic exploration of the inner universe where all things light and dark can be encountered. The listener is lured into an Open Focus (a meditative state of mind) in preparation for an inward journey along the physical energy centres. From the thumping synth basses of Strife and the menacing sludgy melancholy of Duhkha, we move into the bewildering blasts of Trek, where stellar harmonies will eventually burst through the oppressive atmosphere. The trip continues with the crushing downtempo groove that enforces Refocus, as well as the mind-bending a capella interlude Aperture and the frivolous Eye Of Horus and Countless Kaleidoscopes, to finally deliver all-encompassing enlightenment with Ka.
Composers Nienhuis’s and Luiten’s statements and states of mind capture the same capriciousness and unease of Form In Motion, this time leaving a more open, diverse and radiant imprint. With exciting vocal harmonies, bold contrasts and a vivid imagination, AUTARKH sheds a bright light on the inner self and exposes it to the world with intensity and conviction. That makes Emergent an evocative release with a multilayered yet crystal-clear production that promises a bright future for Autarkh.
Autarkh line-up: Michel Nienhuis: vocals & guitars / David Luiten: vocals & guitars / Desmond Kuijk: bass / Tijnn Verbruggen: synths & beats
Recording Studio: David Luiten Studio, Monodisc Studio, Moonbear Music & Engineering / Mix, Master: David Luiten / Cover artwork: Arno Frericks
Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/AutarkhEmergent Pre-save: https://orcd.co/autarkhemergentpresave
Formats: -CD Jewelcase / -Digital / -Vinyl in various colours.