Akercocke

Akercocke is a London-based blackened death metal band formed in 1997 by Jason Mendonca on guitar and David Gray on drums. Before starting the group, the pair play in Salem Orchid until that band splits in 1992. They later add second guitarist Paul Scanlan and bassist Peter Theobalds.

Style and identity

The band is known for combining progressive blackened death metal with a death metal and black metal foundation. Its name comes from a talking monkey in Robert Nye’s interpretation of the Faust legend. Akercocke also becomes known for performing in suits, for its Satanic beliefs, and for the speed of its drummer.

Recordings and label history

Akercocke first releases Rape of the Bastard Nazarene independently in 1999. After that album gains some success, the band signs to Peaceville Records and issues The Goat of Mendes in 2001. Choronzon follows in 2003 on Earache Records. Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone is released on Earache in 2005 in Britain and Europe and in 2006 in the United States. The band’s fifth album, Antichrist, appears in 2007 and is its final release for Earache. Renaissance in extremis is released in 2017.

Line-up changes and activity

After Choronzon, Paul Scanlan leaves the band and Matt Wilcock, formerly of the Australian metal band The Berzerker, joins on guitar. Peter Theobalds leaves in January 2007 and is replaced by Peter Benjamin of Corpsing. Akercocke disbands in 2012, then returns in 2016.

Selected albums

Rape of the Bastard Nazarene (1999), The Goat of Mendes (2001), Choronzon (2003), Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone (2005/2006), Antichrist (2007), Renaissance in extremis (2017).