Akitsa – “Devenir le diable”: An important work of Canadian black metal
Sometimes an album hits you with such force that it never lets you go. Akitsa’s “Devenir le diable” – which translates as “Becoming the Devil” – is just such a work. It’s not just a collection of songs – it’s an introduction, a dark statement, clear proof that real black metal exists far beyond clichés and the smooth mainstream.
“Devenir le diable” captivates from the very beginning. The production is perfectly imperfect: raw, grainy, and biting, yet astonishingly clear and well thought out. Every distorted guitar riff, every drum beat, every piercing scream bears the clear signature of O.T., the mastermind behind this project. Here, it’s not cleanliness that’s celebrated, but pure, unadulterated energy, the spirit of black metal: rebellion, darkness, and the interesting aesthetics of ugliness.
The songs are masterfully crafted. Tracks like the first title “Le feu” or the eponymous “Devenir le diable” honor the beginnings of the genre – they convey a special Canadian, almost lonely coldness. The riffs are catchy without losing any depth or bite. They alternate between hypnotic repetition and surprising melodic twists that are guaranteed to give you goosebumps. The atmosphere Akitsa creates here is impenetrable and absolutely gripping. You feel transported to the snow-covered forests of Quebec, alone with the demons in your head.
What makes this album so special is its genuine radicalism. It embodies its own aspirations consistently and uncompromisingly. “Devenir le diable” is not something you can just listen to casually. It demands attention—it captivates you and leaves you with a feeling of liberation after the last, fading feedback tone has died away.
“Devenir le diable” is more than just an outstanding black metal album. It is a timeless testimony – a work of great power and incorruptible integrity. For me personally, it is not only one of the best things Akitsa has ever released, but also one of the best things this genre has produced in our century. It is a must for anyone seeking the transformative power of genuine, unadulterated black metal and who is prepared to encounter the devil.