With groups in the Avantgarde Metal scene like UNEXPECT thriving in over-the-top bombast and complexity, now seems to be the time for another trove of followers to come out of the woodwork and either imitate or innovate.

Back in 2008, French lunatics AKPHAEZYA released their debut, “Anthology II: Links From The Dead Trinity“, an album as captivating as it was rebelliously weird. Let's just say it was extremely weird, and it was all the better for it. Luckily for the united weirdoes of the world, they're back and even more proficient than before in sophomore release “Anthology IV: The Tragedy of Nerak." Yes, they're fairly set on being different, but unlike the more desperate criers for attention that pursue being unique and little else, this group has talent and refinement in every aspect. They show this anomalous capability through a diverse web of artful finesse, one that will satisfy any willing to venture outside the box of Modern Metal.

Separated into four acts, this release is written as a Greek tragedy, and the shifts in tone and musical direction do well to reflect this. The high drama running rampant within would mean little without a similarly wondrous soundscape behind it, and AKPHAEZYA once again delivers. At the forefront of it all is mastermind vocalist Nehl Aëlin, whose ridiculous range and exuberant enthusiasm behind the mic propel this album beyond impressive territory and into the astronomical realm. Yes, she's that good, and this is before we even approach the instrumental efficiency. The wide variety of styles and influences at hand is nothing short of dumbfounding. The contents here include Melodeath, Doom, Jazz, Hyper Pop sequences, Acoustic Rock, and even traces of Flamenco and Electronic music. What's really incredible is that each comes off equally successful, never devolving into an incoherent mess of incompatibility. No, you're not dreaming, and I refuse to pinch you.

With that said, “Anthology IV" is actually a bit more reined in than its predecessor in regards to technicality, believe it or not. This turns out to be an improvement, since each individual style is purveyed with an even tighter sense of musicianship. My favorite part about this band is that for being so inherently bizarre, their songs instantly stick and remain buried in the mind for weeks after listening. Against all odds, AKPHAEZYA is somehow catchy. Highlights like the feverishly insane "Utopia" are unforgettable, while the light and hauntingly beautiful "Dystopia" sent chills down my spine before breaking into a vocal burst of insanity appropriate of the song's title. Eight minute track "A Harsh Verdict" conquers from the starting line with a crushing Doom riff, only to bust out the castanets moments later. All things told, this is a record of contrast, of the light juxtaposed to the darkness, of the accessible playing against the cacophonous. The only inconsistency present is the lack of negative elements to go with all the positive ones.

So if their debut was “Anthology II“, and their sophomore is “Anthology IV“, does that mean AKPHAEZYA is progressing twice as fast as other bands playing today? Because that's sure as hell what it sounds like. Anyone seeking a forward-thinking musical experience that revels in the bizarre while maintaining an ever-present sense of melody, look no further. In both strength of songwriting and longevity of interest, it kicks UNEXPECT's ass and that of the legion of followers around the block and back. “Anthology IV: The Tragedy of Nerakv is an Avantgarde showstopper of theatrical grandiose great enough to make even Sophocles proud. This has the makings of an instant classic in this eclectic genre's scope, a true dethroner. Let's just hope it's a long, fruitful reign and that it won't take four more years to receive “Anthology VI."

(Online July 19, 2012)