CoC : Achenar - All Will Change : Review

Achenar - _All Will Change_
(Earthen Records, 2007)
by: Quentin Kalis (6 out of 10)

The project of sole member Duncan Hemingway, Achenar is located somewhere in the post-industrial spectrum. Where exactly is a question that cannot be easily answered, as Achenar bravely traverse the entire breadth of the genre, tossing in diverse and incongruent sounds from neofolk, martial, industrial dance and noise into the mix. Thus the Merzbow cacophony of "Origin" sits alongside the martial neoclassicalisms of "Survive Yourself" and the rhythmic industrial of "Avalanche of Fire". These are not the only styles that surface, but merely an example of his eclectic approach. If Achenar's aim was to produce an album that straddled and defied genres, he has succeeded, and I suspect that this was his intention from the first note. But this is also his major problem, as indulging in such a wide variety of styles has resulted in an album that lacks coherence, diluting rather than enhancing his diverse approach. Mr Hemingway does display some skill in erecting post-industrial soundscapes, and a more focused approach would undoubtedly show promise, but _AwC_ is another victim of the 'kitchen sink' approach.

Contact: http://www.earthenrecords.com

(article published 8/6/2008)