The Goat of Mendes
Akercocke · 2001
56 min · 12 tracks · black metal
A chaotic blend of black metal ferocity and progressive intricacy, steeped in darkly theatrical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Of Menstrual Blood and Semen — Opening with a brutal assault of sound, this track immediately sets the tone for the album’s thematic exploration of taboo subjects, blending aggression with intricate musicianship.
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Horns of Baphomet — This track exemplifies the band’s ability to fuse melodic elements with harsh vocals, creating a dynamic experience that encapsulates the essence of their sound.
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Ceremony of Nine Angles — Closing the album, this lengthy composition showcases Akercocke's progressive tendencies, featuring shifts in tempo and atmosphere that leave a lasting impression on the listener.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's complex compositions and varied vocal styles create a distinctive sound within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features frequent tempo changes, shifting from blast beats to slower, more intricate passages within the same track.
- Vocals alternate between guttural growls and clean singing, often layered with harmonies that enhance the theatricality of the themes.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of extended instrumental sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing experience
- dark thematic explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as the band's third studio album in 2001, The Goat of Mendes marked a pivotal moment for Akercocke as they solidified their identity within the blackened death metal scene. Following their previous album, 1999's The Reconquest, this release showcased their increasingly ambitious sound and lyrical exploration of occultism and sexuality.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Of Menstrual Blood and Semen 6:26
- 2 A Skin for Dancing In 7:18
- 3 Betwixt Iniquitatis and Prostigiators 2:13
- 4 Horns of Baphomet 7:06
- 5 Masks of God 4:52
- 6 The Serpent 3:47
- 7 Fortune My Foe 1:16
- 8 Infernal Rites 4:30
- 9 He Is Risen 4:48
- 10 Breaking Silence 4:16
- 11 Initiation 1:11
- 12 Ceremony of Nine Angles 8:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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