Review: “Apostle to the Malevolent” by Kerberos

If you look up the definition of an ambitious undertaking then you will find listed in the many examples “Apostle to the Malevolent” by Swiss Symphonic Progressive Death Metal quartet Kerberos. Inspired by the baroque era and its composers, the band put together both a choir and an orchestra in order to bring their vision to life, seeking to preserve baroque sound aesthetic but also to focus on virtuosic melody lines and complex contrapuntal writing. Lyrically, the record is deeply rooted in personal themes, exploring mental health and trauma while also critiquing the capitalist hellscape we are trapped in. Formed as far back as 2013, it took seven years for the collective to release their first demo “The Awakening of the Hellhound” in 2020 and then another two to unveil their debut album “Of Mayhem and Dismay”, on both occasions challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of the genre and listener. Recorded and produced by the experienced Christoph Brandes (Necrophagist, Unlight, Finsterforst) at Iguana Studios in Germany, the question is, does this do likewise?

Despite only being five cuts, this record is considered a sophomore album and represents half an hour of power from vocalist Ai-lan Metzger, guitarist Diego Lanzendörfer, multi instrumentalist Félicien Burkard and drummer Nicolas Käser. Curiously enough Burkard claims responsibility for both the orchestral and choir arrangements and so perhaps could be considered the project mastermind, however in reality everyone plays a part and perhaps even goes as far as stepping outside of their comfort zone. Serving as an introduction piece, the grand and opulent “Praeludium in H Moll” plays out brightly on what sounds like an organ instantly makes this writer think of the cover artwork of “Tempo of the Damned” by Exodus. That is of course the only similarity between the two groups because as the melancholic orchestration swirls around the Progressive Death Metal riffs of “Near-Violence Experience” the truth is unveiled. Contrasting Operatic vocals against death growls is an interesting move but one that works fabulously well as those riffs fly in all directions with furious energy. Vocal layering is put to good use to allow the male and female tones to intertwine and push things in a more avant-garde Extreme Metal direction, the nuances joyfully bleeding through the bandages with each repeated listen. What’s impressive about it is that despite there being so much going on here, each element shines through in its own right with absolutely nothing getting lost in the mix.

A furious Death Metal onslaught opens “Liar Within” like an artery, restless and relentless drumming and breakneck speed riffs building the atmosphere and intensity from the very start. The dark clouds are pierced by chinks of light with fleeting keys or clean vocals but for the most part this is a demonstration of power from a wrathful beast seeking to reign with fire and brimstone. That’s not to say it isn’t epic or majestic because it is both, the bands creations all having those cinematic touches that make them who they are. In almost total contrast, glorious clean vocals and storytelling create something different for “Alpine Sea“, a cut with a Folk Metal vibe about it as it embodies a whirlwind of emotions. The choir is put to good use, the ebb and flow of the track mimicking nature wonderfully as gentle vocals push on energetic guitars and powerful percussion that builds to momentary crescendos before falling away in stunning fashion. A title track that surpasses the nine minute mark with consummate ease “Apostle to the Malevolent” is both utterly enthralling and captivating at the same time. Bringing back the vocal layering to dramatic effect, brutal Death Metal lines from Burkard intertwine the those from Metzger to create a violent turbulence from which there is no escape. Its like having a demon on one shoulder and an angel on the other both commanding your attention as complex rhythmic patterns soak you to the bone. The guitar work is mesmerising and a flamboyant solo in the middle of this one is a real tour de force, the complete lack of borders and boundaries here being truly refreshing. A record as spellbinding as this one doesn’t come around very often, so don’t sleep on this [9/10]

Track Listing

1. Praeludium in H Moll
2. Near-Violence Experience
3. Liar Within
4. Alpine Sea
5. Apostle to the Malevolent

“Apostle to the Malevolent” by Kerberos is out 14th March 2025 and is available over at bandcamp