Autarkh’s debut already sounded like a message from the future. But the Dutch band push their vision to even further extremes on ‘Emergent’, which comes out on November 10. The new album is now available for pre-order HERE.
Today, Autarkh are releasing the first single off ‘Emergent’. Watch the intense video for “Strife” HERE.
‘Emergent’ still bristles with melodic dissonance, ambient droning and glitchy programmed beats. It’s just that now, instead of looking for their reflection in the natural world, Autarkh journey inward in search of peace.
“‘Strife’ shows how we took a different direction on ‘Emergent’: a more straightforward approach where specific atmospheres rather than the density and intensity of ‘Form In Motion’ are emphasized”, says Nienhuis. “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!’’
“Strife” finds Autarkh locked in a battle with their inner demons. The song opens with drum pads that pound quietly, like trying to escape from your own personal prison. The mental anguish only escalates from there, spiked by a thousand megawatts of industrial-sized riffs. But the band doesn’t lose hope. “My eternal summer is not so distant anymore”, Nienhuis screams as if clawing toward a pinhole of light.
Autarkh might be from the future. But they’re still human after all.
Track-list
1. Open Focus (6:59)
2. Strife (5:23) [WATCH]
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 Dodecahedrom, 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 centers. 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.
Line-up:
Michel Nienhuis: vocals & guitars
David Luiten: vocals & guitars
Desmond Kuijk: bass
Tijnn Verbruggen: synths & beats
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