With Acolythus, set for release on November 7, A Scar for the Wicked has crafted an album that pushes their sound into new, daring territory. Inspired by the nine sins of hell, this concept album is both ferocious and meticulously structured. It creates a brutal yet melodic landscape that feels epic in scope. In our conversation, the band shared how they expanded their sonic palette by incorporating symphonic elements and spacious arrangements that give the songs room to breathe, yet never losing their razor-sharp edge.
With its intense blast beats and intricate riffs, the opening track, “Seven Wraiths,”immediately sinks one into the album’s dark world. It sets the stage for the haunting narrative of unbaptized souls. This thematic and musical ambition carries through to tracks like “Golden Touch of Eternity,” which retells King Midas’s doomed tale with soaring solos and punishingly tight rhythms, demonstrating the band’s ability to blend storytelling with sheer intensity.
A standout moment, discussed in our conversation as the band favourite is “Sacrificial Genocide”. Twin guitar solos bring contrasting energy and a measured melodic interlude followed by an electrifying finish. The track embodies the band’s signature balance of technical prowess and visceral power, showcasing why they view it as the highlight of the album. The dual-guitar work throughout Acolythus adds distinct flavour to each sin-themed song, matching the thematic mood with the energy of the instruments.
Tracks like “Despicable Existence” and “Son of Dawn” cap off the experience with both ferocity and finesse. The former dives into themes of self-hatred with a neoclassical-infused chorus that contrasts with the brutality of the verses. The latter hints at the band’s future, blending symphonic elements and raw speed, with drummer Nick Rodgers pushing the pace to its limit.
Produced by guitarist Joe Moon alongside Christian Donaldson, Acolythus showcases the meticulous attention to detail without losing the raw energy the band is known for. The album benefits from Joe’s involvement in both the production and engineering, offering a polished yet fierce sound that elevates the band’s work to a new level.
For fans of technical death metal that doesn’t shy away from narrative ambition, Acolythus is an album worth experiencing. It’s a testament to A Scar for the Wicked’s ability to evolve while staying true to their brutal roots, creating an auditory journey through hell that keeps listeners guessing at every turn.
