AKERIUS Hidden Portals to the Nameless Depths CD

The 2023 album Hidden Portals to the Nameless Depths by the French project Akerius, released as a professional CD digipak through Acid Vicious and Percussive Spectre, is a conceptual descent into the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft. Unlike more traditional atmospheric releases, this work functions as a dark, ritualistic narrative, heavily inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos and the maddening philosophy of the Great Old Ones. The album is characterized by its use of incantations, blending harsh black metal elements with eerie dark ambient passages and guest vocals by Gryp, whose contributions on tracks like Lord Of ALL (The Primal Chaos) and Cosmic Chaos Unleashed add a layer of demented, ritualistic intensity to the recording. The record is meticulously paced, alternating between longer, aggressive compositions and shorter, cinematic interludes that heighten the sense of dread. The journey begins with the ritualistic Chanting To Raise The Great Old Ones, leading into the chaotic Lord Of ALL and the expansive Invisible Dominion. Moments like Cthulhu Spell (Ancient Ritual Of Fire), The Cyclopean Coast-line Of R'lyeh, and Patterns Of Insanity serve as atmospheric gateways, building a bridge toward the climactic title track, Hidden Portals To The Nameless Depths. The digipak edition is particularly comprehensive, including three instrumental versions of the main collaborative tracks as bonuses, allowing the listener to focus on the intricate, abyssal guitar work and cold synth layers that define the Akerius sound.