
Akenathon is a Progressive Rock band from Buenos Aires, Argentina formed in 2001 from an idea of Hard Rock and Blues guitarist Aníbal Acuaro. Over the years they have changed lineup several times, releasing 2 Full-Lenght after more than ten years from each other, let’s analyze in this article “Como Hormigas.” The album was released on January 17, 2020 on Viajero Inmovil Records, available Digitally and containing 8 medium-long duration tracks. The style of the band is a Progressive Rock with influences of Hard Rock, Jazz, Tango and Folklore, with personal characters. The album opens with the title track “Como Hormigas” which begins with atmospheric melodies that create a long intro on which they gradually build the structure of the song. The guitar guides the sound, on an accelerated and constantly changing rhythmic session and a vocal that alternates more melodic moments with others more aggressive. The more Hard Rock influences of the band show themselves in this song, with also a guitar solo in the second part, characterized by a long instrumental that guides us to the finale. “Irresistible Tic” is characterized by a frenetic rhythm and a distorted and edgy guitar at times Psychedelica. The tempo changes are continuous, with leading and hypnotic bass lines, but the sound is entirely centered on the evolution of the guitar. “Punta del Diablo” is softer, but with an always elaborate and at times intricate structure, with the guitar alternating more melodic openings with more distorted ones. Also this like the previous one is an entirely instrumental track focused on the guitar. In “Vuelos” the vocal returns, returning to a more conventional structure, where, however, the singing is not very effective. The guitar always guides the sound, with a solo cue in the instrumental part that guides us from the middle of the song to the finale. “Vanka” which starts with an atmospheric layer in the background and then develops an elaborate texture between bass and guitar. A quick acceleration and the sound changes becoming even harder and giving the omnipresent guitar room to process a short solo. Alternating more melodic moments and other harder ones, with rapid acceleration and long solo in the second part, one of the best moments of the album. “Sopa de Hueso” is the longest track on the album, exceeding 9 minutes, characterized by darker melodies with more Hard Rock hues. The structure is very elaborate with continuous tempo changes and alternating less dark openings with more positive melodies, especially in the second part which is more symphonic. Here too we find some of the most interesting ideas of the album. “Enigmas” is softer and with a more experimental first part with more intricate sounds and structure. In the middle with a change it transforms becoming a cheerful piece always guided by the guitar layers and entirely instrumental. Closes the album “Zumac” that alternates sweeter and more melodic moments with powerful distorted openings and frenetic rhythms. Very elaborate, it could be a precise summary of the band’s sounds, within which we find good ideas and interesting tempo changes. An album mainly instrumental and focused on the guitar, the undisputed protagonist of the sound with long solos and on which the melodies are centered. The first part of the album in my humble opinion is less incisive while the second part of the album is more solid and concrete containing also the best ideas. A good listening for all lovers of Prog sounds related to the sound of the guitar, which by adding a bit of incisiveness can certainly improve, starting from the good ideas heard here.
Tracklist
1. Como Hormigas (08:58)
2. Irresistible Tic (05:06)
3. Punta del Diablo (05:12)
4. Vuelos (06:53)
5. Vanka (06:30)
6. Sopa de Hueso (09:13)
7. Enigmas (06:19)
8. Zumac (06:28)
Lineup
Aníbal Acuaro / Guitar and Vocals
Guillermo Rocca / Drums and Vocals
Pablo Olio / Bass and Vocals