Servants of Chaos – Spotlight: AKHLYS

AKHLYS is the demonic vision of composer/guitarist/vocalist Naas Alcameth, who has haunted the Black Metal scene since the late '90s via bands such as NIGHTBRINGER, BESTIA ARCANA, and AORATOS. AKHLYS was created to express the inexplicable visions, journeys, and phenomena occurring in the liminal spaces between sleep and wakefulness. While the band's 2009 debut album, "Supplication" was solely Dark Ambient, the critically acclaimed follow-up, "The Dreaming I" (2015), introduced evocative and hypnotic Black Metal soundscapes, which were further intensified within the shadowed majesty of 2020's "Melinoë".

This July, AKHLYS unleashed six crushing and terrifying Black Metal compositions via their fourth full-length, "House of the Black Geminus" - delving deeply into esoteric realms between slumber and awakening. Learn more about the new album in an extensive interview with Bardo Methodology and listen to it directly here:

In recent years, the powerful live-incarnation of AKHLYS has performed across Europe, Israel, Latin America, and the United States. At Servants of Chaos festival, the band will deliver an exclusive extended set, offering attendees a unique immersion into their nightmarish soundworld.

Check out their performance at Hole In The Svn festival here:

In a brief interview, Naas Alcameth shares what fans can expect from the band's forthcoming performance at Servants of Chaos festival:

Q: Hey Naas! You've been playing live quite frequently in the last few years and have visited different continents. Do you feel that these travels and live performances have affected the way songs on your new album "House of the Black Geminus" sound?

I believe this is true, albeit perhaps more subtly or in degrees. As time has marched on, with the live aspect becoming more integral, I have kept this in mind regarding compositions although I try not to let it become restrictive in regard to the creative process.

Q: You have also played onstage with other bands, most notably NIGHTBRINGER. How far does it differ to perform AKHLYS and NIGHTBRINGER songs? Is there a different feeling present when you play the AKHLYS tracks live?

It is vastly different. The two entities have their distinct characteristics and overall aura. Technically, I only handled vocals live with NIGHTBRINGER, while I do both guitar and vocals live with AKHLYS, which is my preference. It shifts the dynamic of the experience and how you are submerged within it all. I feel more aligned with what is being projected when I am not only doing the vocals but also playing the music.

Q: AKHLYS are famous for wearing symbolic masks onstage. Will you appear with different masks/symbols for the "House of the Black Geminus" era?

I already have a new mask fashioned by our mask maker, James Hodgson, specifically intended for this next chapter of our live performances. It's not a dramatic departure from what has come before but has some subtleties that relay a more vicious and sinister aesthetic.

Q: You will play a special extended set at Servants of Chaos festival. Could you tell us a bit about what the audience may expect from your performance?

They can expect representation from all of our albums, which showcase the various elements that AKHLYS is known for.

Q: Is there a specific song from the AKHLYS discography that you like to play live most?

There are a few, of course, but I am very partial to 'Ephialtes'. Its vibe of darkness and aggression translates incredibly well in a live setting.

Q: How can your listeners imagine you preparing for live shows? Do you and the other musicians find ways to constantly rehearse in the US?

All of us, besides Abraxas, are local to Colorado. We typically rehearse twice weekly, increasing this to three times a week before tours or gigs. Keeping your weapons sharp is vital, and doing the music justice live requires consistent practice. Nox flies out periodically to do this as an entire unit.

Q: Last question: which other performances are you most looking forward to witnessing at Servants of Chaos?

There are many acts I'm looking forward to seeing, but especially THROANE, ULCERATE and SLIDHR.

AKHLYS will perform on October 19th at Servants of Chaos festival. Find all information about the event here and order your ticket here!