French death metal up-and-comers Akiavel are now unveiling the grizzly second video from their recently released sophomore effort, Væ Victis, released April 23rd, 2021. “Comrade” is based on the notorious and truly horrifying serial killer: Andrei Chikatilo. Chikatilo - also known as the Butcher of Rostov, the Red Ripper, and the Rostov Ripper - murdered at least 52 women and children in the 70s and 80s. You can watch the video exclusively via Decibel Magazine HERE.
To pay homage to the victims, Akiavel incorporated both true elements of the crimes and their own children into the video and the song.
Vocalist Auré comments on the track: “When I decided to write on this killer I knew it wasn't going to be easy... He is for me one of the most violent monsters. Above all, he targeted children…
When I was in front of my blank page, as I did for the other songs, I was watching reports on Andreï Chikatilo. It hurt me a lot. I was angry too.
I'm a mom. I couldn't help but think that it could happen to anyone...Then I had an idea. If our children could be their voices. I wrote a chorus to make it easy to sing. I wanted us not to forget these poor victims...When the song was written, I hugged my son very hard against me. I had tears in my eyes.
I asked him if he wanted to participate in a tribute to the missing children. He immediately agreed.
We did the test and it gave me chills.
For the video clip, I printed the real photos of the victims and the real search notices. I hope we have respected their memories. While denouncing the atrocities of this monster, we do not forget the victims.”
Akiavel will also be returning for the finale of Metal Injection's Slay At Home Fest, which begins June 18th at 3pm Eastern. After establishing themselves as a fan favorite in the February edition of Slay At Home, Akiavel was asked to return for the mammoth two day finale. More details about Slay At Home HERE.
Tracklist:
Frozen Beauties
Bind Torture Kill
Zombie
Needles from Hell
Comrade
Medium
The Lady of Death
Pentagram Tattoo
Mommy I’m Capable
Matrimonial Advertisements
Lineup:
Auré: Vocals
Chris: Guitars
Jay: Bass
Butch: Drums
About AKIAVEL:
AKIAVEL is a Melodic Death Metal band from the South of France, formed in 2018. The band released their first, self-titled, EP in December 2018, showcasing their trademark sound: a mix of Groove, Thrash, Black and Old-school Death Metal, with a touch of melodic riffs, heavy rhythmic and hardcore sounds.
They draw their inspiration from bands such as: Morbid Angel, Deicide, Obituary, Cannibal Corpse, Testament and Gojira.
AKIAVEL’s debut full-length album, V was recorded at Studio Artmusic and mastered by Kohlekeller Studio, and was released on 20 February 2020 on Mystic Production. Acclaimed by critics, they immediately found their footing in France and abroad. A genuine and balanced expression of melodic metal and brutal violence. Julien Truchan (Benighted) makes an appearance on the track “I & Me”.
Each of the 4 AKIAVEL members has a strong and varied experience in the French metal industry that give them a unique and powerful sound. The band is sponsored by several tier-one brands (Darius Guitarz. Dominger Pickups USA, SP Custom, Skull Strings, ProOrca drumsticks) and is supported by the custom-made Lalite drums.
AKIAVEL made their first stage appearance at the Hellfest Off festival in Clisson on June 2019 (Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum, Les Tambours du Bronx) joining the band on stage for 2 mythic covers) and participated in the charity Metal Help Fest 2 in September 2019 at the Secret Place (Montpellier).
AKIAVEL released in their 2nd full length album, Vae Victis in April 2021.
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