Mastering the Art of Arrangement in Symphonic Death Metal

Arranging music is often considered one of the most challenging aspects of songwriting. In a typical rock band setup with two guitars, the process involves determining roles and responsibilities for each musician. However, for bands like Kerberos, which incorporate a variety of instruments including strings, organs, choirs, and layered vocal techniques, the task of arrangement becomes even more complex. Yet, as demonstrated in their upcoming album Apostle to the Malevolent, this Swiss group has not only embraced these challenges but has also mastered them. Their symphonic death metal weaves together multiple elements into a cohesive and powerful narrative.

A Journey Through Melodic Narratives

With its release set for tomorrow, we are excited to stream the entire album Apostle to the Malevolent here. This record showcases the band’s ability to craft intricate storylines that are both melodically compelling and grounded in the raw intensity of death metal.

Structure and Composition

At just five tracks long, Apostle to the Malevolent is structured akin to a classical composition. The album begins with an organ-driven prelude, followed by four distinct suites that explore varying musical directions while maintaining a sense of unity. This approach allows for a rich interplay of sounds: harsh vocals contrast with clean singing, electric guitars blend seamlessly with classical instrumentation, and dynamic passages are interspersed with calmer interludes.

The Power of Melody

One of the standout elements of this album is Kerberos’s remarkable grasp of melody. The band masterfully integrates these diverse musical components, resulting in a work that transcends traditional death metal or even symphonic death metal. Instead, it feels akin to an operatic composition, where powerful motifs engage in a dialogue throughout the pieces. By avoiding the common pitfalls of overindulgence that often plague the genre, Kerberos delivers an exceptionally well-crafted album that speaks for itself.

Band Insights

The band reflects on their latest work:

Apostle to the Malevolent marks the next evolutionary step in our sound. On these five tracks, we embrace more baroque, progressive, and virtuosic elements while remaining true to our established symphonic death metal roots. We couldn’t be happier with the final result and believe this is our strongest effort to date in terms of songwriting, performance, and production.

Release Information

Apostle to the Malevolent will be released independently on March 14th and is currently available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

Conclusion

Kerberos’s Apostle to the Malevolent exemplifies the power of arrangement in music, particularly within the realm of symphonic death metal. By skillfully blending diverse musical elements, the band has created a rich tapestry of sound that captivates listeners and challenges genre conventions. As they continue to evolve, Kerberos solidifies their reputation as innovators in the metal scene.

FAQs

When is the release date for Apostle to the Malevolent?

The album is set to be released independently on March 14th.

Where can I pre-order the album?

Apostle to the Malevolent is available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

What is the structure of the album?

The album consists of five tracks, including an organ-driven prelude and four distinct suites that explore different musical directions.

How does this album differ from their previous work?

This album incorporates more baroque, progressive, and virtuosic elements while remaining true to their symphonic death metal roots, showcasing a significant evolution in their sound.