The Argentine band Akenathon returns with their third full-length studio album, “Crónicas Intrascendentes,” released on May 30, 2025 via the Buenos Aires-based label Viajero Inmóvil Records. Known for supporting a broad spectrum of Latin American progressive music since its founding in 1999, the label continues to give space to eclectic and adventurous projects. Composed of seven tracks ranging from around four to over eight minutes, the album sees the band further refining their take on dark Progressive/Symphonic Rock. As described in the band’s official notes, this release explores “obscure and intriguing atmospheres,” enhanced by keyboards that add “Cinematic textures to a sarcastic and biting world.” “Queja de un Bufón” opens the album with moody keyboard tones, gradually building into a solid and dynamic structure. The sound immediately emphasizes a darker direction, with extended instrumental sections forming the backbone of the piece. Symphonic Progressive elements emerge in the interplay between prominent guitar lines and lush keyboards. The vocals are melodic yet slightly somber, with Cinematic accents that reflect the band’s more Experimental approach on this record. “Irresistible Tic” develops through intricate and technical arrangements, with extended solos showcasing the guitar as the central voice. The rhythm section contributes a layered foundation, while tempo shifts allow room for symphonic breaks supported by choral keyboard passages. The balance between the dense arrangements and instrumental flourishes keeps the listener engaged. “Emma Va al Kiosco” introduces a more straightforward Rock approach, with heavier guitar riffs and lyrics that hint at Latin Rock storytelling. While rooted in a classic Hard Rock structure, the piece incorporates Progressive elements, particularly in the second half where the music leans into a more exploratory solo, again highlighting the guitar. “El Increíble Mundo Oculto de los Hermanos Morosky” stands out for its eccentric title and personal, eclectic structure. The composition begins with an offbeat flair, later evolving into more Symphonic territory through a well-balanced dialogue between guitar and keyboards. Although not among the most striking moments on the album, the track retains a pleasant character and showcases the band’s compositional diversity. “Vincent y los Cuervos” brings back the darker, heavier sound with more bite. The vocals take on a sharper tone, and the instrumental work becomes bolder, even flirting with Tango-infused keyboard phrasing—a subtle but interesting stylistic twist. This blending of disparate elements into a cohesive whole contributes to one of the more original-sounding cuts. The second half features another engaging guitar solo, reaffirming the instrument’s centrality throughout the album. “La Muerte del Zapatero (Nostalgia de una Mediasuela)” ventures into more Experimental and Psychedelic territory. Here, the guitar dominates, navigating a landscape filled with time changes, dense rhythmic patterns, and intentional distortions. The piece blends symphonic elements with urgent syncopation and abstract textures. It stands out as one of the more surprising and compelling entries, deviating from the band’s usual formula. Closing the album, “Huellas” is the longest track, running over eight minutes. It opens with percussion and hazy guitar phrasing, evoking a late-’60s/early-’70s Psychedelic atmosphere. The piece incorporates Oriental-tinged rhythms and a long, lysergic solo that gradually pulls the band into a slow-building crescendo. While remaining rooted in Acid Psych territory, the track envelops the listener in layers of sound, offering yet another perspective on the band’s musical identity. “Crónicas Intrascendentes” confirms Akenathon’s intent to explore Cinematic textures and dense arrangements rooted in the Latin American Progressive/Symphonic tradition. The album blends moody atmospheres, occasional Experimental nuances, and a distinct compositional identity. While it may not aim to redefine the genre, it offers a sincere and consistent artistic statement. Thanks to its structured approach and the emotional variety across tracks, it remains a rewarding listen for fans of classic-rooted Progressive Rock with a darker flair. A thoughtful and personal work that reflects both maturity and a clear musical vision.
Tracklist
01. Queja de un Bufón (07:58)
02. Irresistible Tic (05:23)
03. Emma Va al Kiosco (06:37)
04. El Increíble Mundo Oculto de los Hermanos Morosky (04:42)
05. Vincent y los Cuervos (04:17)
06. La Muerte del Zapatero (Nostalgia de una Mediasuela) (07:02)
07. Huellas (08:25)
Lineup
Guillermo Rocca / Drums and Vocals
Fernando Chávez González / Bass
Marcela Crusat / Keyboards and Vocals
Aníbal Acuarto / Guitar and Vocals
[…] Read our Review of the album here: [Review] Akenathon – Cronicas Intrascendentes […]