The Black Map #97: Akilla from Cambridge!

Formed in Cambridge in 2017, Melodic Death Metal project Akilla was based on the axis of song writing duo of guitarist Ross Wilson and now ex-guitarist Ryan Slater. After trialing a few individuals the pair settled on bassist and backing vocalist Jonny Dawson and Will ‘Ginge’ Taylor on drums in early 2018 to complete their rhythm section. Not being able to find a vocalist of quality who could commit fully to the project, Wilson took over vocal duties himself, while Slater exited stage left to be replaced by Cambridge scene veteran Carl Harries. 2019 saw first single “Cosmica” drop and with Wilson handling Mixing & Mastering duties at Phoenix Studio, Akilla are currently recording their debut self-titled album for 2020 while breaking out of the studio for South of England shows. To give you a flavor for the album, they’ve shared first single and music video “Echo” which stars Niki Tzika as the the main character. A vocally brutal track with a beautiful melody, Akilla even find a moment to break out the acoustic guitars for passage. The leads are a real highlight with a slick technical solo while synths add a melancholic gravity to the whole thing. The album just got tagged ‘highly anticipated‘ by us.

Upcoming shows

6th March – Raffs Bar, Wellingborough w/Pink 7, Far From Refuge, Expetya & Akkadian
18th April – The Dev, London w/Dethonator & Sycarium (FREE ENTRY)