The Greek prog-death metal veterans, Acid Death, return after a six-year hiatus with a new concept album. The album’s main theme explores human evolution through the ages. The band has been active since the late ‘80s, forging their path all these decades by blending thrash, death, progressive, technical, and fusion elements into their music. Each of their albums has its own character, and they avoid repetition, which is difficult in today’s music scene. Now, in 2025, Savvas Betinis (vocals/bass), John Anagnostou (guitars), Dennis Kostopoulos (guitars), and Kostas Alexakis (drums) unleash “Evolution”, their most ambitious and complete work to date. Some may wonder how that’s possible, but even the most demanding extreme metal fan will be convinced after a first listen.
The production has a warm analog sound that is dynamic and full. The recordings took place in three studios. The drums were recorded at Sierra Studios with Alexandros Chrysidis behind the console. The guitars were recorded at SymbolicP Studio with Costas Papadopoulos from Yoth Iria behind the mixing desk. The bass, vocals, mixing, and final mastering were all done at S.I.A. Recordings, the band’s recording studio. Savvas was responsible for the final mix and mastering, as well as the overall production.
Four of the twelve songs are short interludes that flow well with the story and provide an appropriate musical context for the concept. Great rhythm section, especially excellent drumming, sharp technical riffs, and brutal vocals with some well-placed atmospheric passages. “The Gateway to Knowledge” features Kelly R. Shaefer (Atheist, Till The Dirt, and Neurotica) on vocals and James Murphy (Death, Obituary, Testament, etc.) on lead guitar. A terrific song featuring some of the most iconic musicians of the death metal scene. Other great songs are: “Coded Dominion”, “Flesh Dancing in the Fire”, “Shadows of Our Despair”, “Fallen Empires” and, my personal favorite, the prog/tech “(Walking) The Path to Certainty”.
Acid Death showcases how to blend brutal, extreme, and melodic elements while staying true to their roots. “Evolution” is Acid Death at their peak — ambitious, aggressive, and intellectually charged. This album proves that these veterans are still pushing their own musical boundaries. It’s a seamless concept that demands multiple spins. If you’re into technical death metal that combines skill and aggression, this prog death metal gem will blow you away. Acid Death proves that they’re not just surviving; they’re evolving, and their new album is the best proof of this. Crank it up and enjoy its intense prog-death metal nature.
