Cacotopia - Self-Titled
Release Date: May 2nd, 2025
Self-Released
Cacotopia is a two piece progressive-black metal band from Illinois, U.S.A.. This self-titled third release from the band is a
testament to what can be achieved in modern times with what I am assuming is a home recording setup. I come from the era when most people only had an analog four track recorder setup at home. Thankfully cassettes are are mostly a thing of the past. The band had its start in 2002 after their previous band, which was more death metal oriented, disbanded. They started releasing demo material in 2007 and eventually saw their first release, "Inhuman Agitation", get released in 2014. This was followed by a 2nd album, "Centuries of Bloodshed" that was released in 2018.
Cacotopia's sound harbors an obvious refined and professional black metal sound that was created through years of cultivating talent. Their third release draws inspiration from more modern black metal in my opinion. The rawness and unbridled hatred of the classics of the genre evolved I believe in the mid to late 1990s into what we hear in bands such as Cacotopia. Gone are the subtle punk attributes present in the old bands of this style. They are replaced by strong musicianship and a crisp production making the genre a bit more accessible for some fans of extreme music. "The Beginning Of The End" starts the album out with a varied vocal approach and melodious movements with differing rhythmic changes. "Monarch Multiples" begins with a faster onslaught before moving to menacing slower ideas and an exciting guitar lead not often seen in this genre. "Visions In The Sky" is of a similar vein of the previous track with a slightly more evil undertone to the song's personality. Capturing my interest instantly is perhaps my favorite song on this album, "World Hijacked". Though stylistically of the same approach, I just just like the ideas and how they flow together the most. The only complaint is I think the song ended a bit too soon. On "Alpha Malevolence" Cacotopia adds an interesting rhythmic break towards the end of the song that is not traditionally "black metal" but is neat all the same. The sixth song, "Tides of Darkness" is up there with a favorite track of mine next to "World Hijacked". Playing on the songwriting strengths of Cacotopia, its just a well done track. "Human 2.0" begins with a flurry of impressive guitar playing before resting on a catchy riff that stays with you. Beginning in a similar fashion as the previous song, "Crisis From Underground" will appeal to those who enjoy skillful guitar playing. As with the first song, I like the vocalist's diversity in sound. Going along with my love for Cacotopia's riff construction, "Societal Miscarriage" has some strong and memorable ideas present. This is true for me especially at the 45 second mark. "Holodomor" is the second to last song on this release. As I stated before, the vocalists exploration of different approaches is found here. Mayhem's "Grand Declaration Of War" album comes to mind with the spoken word break in the song. The Mayhem vocal comparison is evident also in his almost croaking sound he chooses to utilize throughout the album. The album ends with "Parasitic Propaganda". It sits for me as an accumulation of everything that is present on the album. All the twists and turns of the various elements Cacotopia uses can be found here. I would consider it an exciting and strong ending to their third album.
I recommend this band for fans of all forms of extreme metal. I think even non-black metal fans could find something of value on this release. The only complaint I can find here is that I think some of the songs end too soon. Hopefully I will hear more from Cacotopia at some point. Check them out!
www.facebook.com/cacotopia
cacotopia1.bandcamp.com/album/cacotopia
Release Date: May 2nd, 2025
Self-Released
Cacotopia is a two piece progressive-black metal band from Illinois, U.S.A.. This self-titled third release from the band is a
testament to what can be achieved in modern times with what I am assuming is a home recording setup. I come from the era when most people only had an analog four track recorder setup at home. Thankfully cassettes are are mostly a thing of the past. The band had its start in 2002 after their previous band, which was more death metal oriented, disbanded. They started releasing demo material in 2007 and eventually saw their first release, "Inhuman Agitation", get released in 2014. This was followed by a 2nd album, "Centuries of Bloodshed" that was released in 2018.
Cacotopia's sound harbors an obvious refined and professional black metal sound that was created through years of cultivating talent. Their third release draws inspiration from more modern black metal in my opinion. The rawness and unbridled hatred of the classics of the genre evolved I believe in the mid to late 1990s into what we hear in bands such as Cacotopia. Gone are the subtle punk attributes present in the old bands of this style. They are replaced by strong musicianship and a crisp production making the genre a bit more accessible for some fans of extreme music. "The Beginning Of The End" starts the album out with a varied vocal approach and melodious movements with differing rhythmic changes. "Monarch Multiples" begins with a faster onslaught before moving to menacing slower ideas and an exciting guitar lead not often seen in this genre. "Visions In The Sky" is of a similar vein of the previous track with a slightly more evil undertone to the song's personality. Capturing my interest instantly is perhaps my favorite song on this album, "World Hijacked". Though stylistically of the same approach, I just just like the ideas and how they flow together the most. The only complaint is I think the song ended a bit too soon. On "Alpha Malevolence" Cacotopia adds an interesting rhythmic break towards the end of the song that is not traditionally "black metal" but is neat all the same. The sixth song, "Tides of Darkness" is up there with a favorite track of mine next to "World Hijacked". Playing on the songwriting strengths of Cacotopia, its just a well done track. "Human 2.0" begins with a flurry of impressive guitar playing before resting on a catchy riff that stays with you. Beginning in a similar fashion as the previous song, "Crisis From Underground" will appeal to those who enjoy skillful guitar playing. As with the first song, I like the vocalist's diversity in sound. Going along with my love for Cacotopia's riff construction, "Societal Miscarriage" has some strong and memorable ideas present. This is true for me especially at the 45 second mark. "Holodomor" is the second to last song on this release. As I stated before, the vocalists exploration of different approaches is found here. Mayhem's "Grand Declaration Of War" album comes to mind with the spoken word break in the song. The Mayhem vocal comparison is evident also in his almost croaking sound he chooses to utilize throughout the album. The album ends with "Parasitic Propaganda". It sits for me as an accumulation of everything that is present on the album. All the twists and turns of the various elements Cacotopia uses can be found here. I would consider it an exciting and strong ending to their third album.
I recommend this band for fans of all forms of extreme metal. I think even non-black metal fans could find something of value on this release. The only complaint I can find here is that I think some of the songs end too soon. Hopefully I will hear more from Cacotopia at some point. Check them out!
www.facebook.com/cacotopia
cacotopia1.bandcamp.com/album/cacotopia