“Protean labyrinth
Of deathly shadows
I am the wanderer
Within Phobetor’s halls” (‘Maze of Phobetor‘)
On 2024 fourth album “House of the Black Geminus“, oneiric Black Metal entity AKHLYS took listeners on an intensely haunting trip into the heart of darkness. Steeped in symbolism and arcane significance, the album once again reflects the profound immersion of mastermind Naas Alcameth (AORATOS, BESTIA ARCANA, NIGHTBRINGER) in esoteric and mystical traditions.
In collaboration with visual artist Chthonia (YouTube, Instagram, Bandcamp), AKHLYS proudly unveil a menacing new visual companion for the crushing track ‘Maze of Phobetor‘.
Originally conceived as an extension of AKHLYS‘ live rituals, these abyssal visuals have evolved into a powerful standalone work – heightening the atmosphere and deepening the song’s lyrical impact.
Naas Alcameth offers the following reflection:
“‘Maze of Phobetor‘ closes out the first act of the album, which is symbolically relegated to the “hearth”. The lyrics reflect a manic and ecstatic state of dread, slowly transforming into a mode of ‘other-becoming’ within the presence of the numinous. It represents a penultimate moment before the descent into the underworld (the cellar). This is all poetically reflected through symbols such as protean, maze-like hallways, shifting structures, sentient shadows, and an ominous, awaiting door.“
Delve into “House of the Black Geminus” in full below, or stream it across all major platforms! The album is available on CD and vinyl via DMP’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops!
AKHLYS also recently announced the upcoming Age of Phobetor tour, set to traverse Europe and neighbouring regions this October. Encompassing 15 performances across 10 countries, the tour will showcase acclaimed latest opus, “House of the Black Geminus“, alongside works from their storied discography. Find all dates here:
AKHLYS – AGE OF PHOBETOR TOUR 2025 (w/ SISYPHEAN & FIDES INVERSA)
10.10.2025 | Wroclaw (Poland) – Klub Łącznik (+ SISYPHEAN)
11.10.2025 | Vilnius (Lithuania) – nArauti (+ SISYPHEAN)
12.10.2025 | Warsaw (Poland) – Klub Mechanik (+ SISYPHEAN)
13.10.2025 | Krakow (Poland) – Klub Zaścianek (+ SISYPHEAN)
14.10.2025 | Prague (Czechia) – Futurum Music Bar (+ FIDES INVERSA)
15.10.2025 | Leipzig (Germany) – Hellraiser (+ FIDES INVERSA)
16.10.2025 | Erfurt (Germany) – From Hell (+ FIDES INVERSA)
17.10.2025 | Mörlenbach (Germany) – Live Music Hall (+ FIDES INVERSA)
18.10.2025 | Aarburg (Switzerland) – Musigburg (+ FIDES INVERSA)
19.10.2025 | Erba (Italy) – Centrale Rock Pub (+ FIDES INVERSA)
20.10.2025 | Northeastern Italy/Slovenia
21.10.2025 | Zagreb (Croatia) – Vintage Industrial Bar
22.10.2025 | Budapest (Hungary) – Supersonic – Blue Hell & KVLT
23.10.2025 | Vienna (Austria) – Escape
25.10.2025 | Istanbul (Turkey) – Dorock Heavy Metal Club
AKHLYS was formed 2009 by Naas Alcameth (NIGHTBRINGER, AORATOS, BESTIA ARCANA) as a musical expression for the inexplicable visions, journeys and phenomena that occur in liminal lands between slumber and awakening. Initially exploring these concepts via Dark Ambient in debut “Supplication” (2009) and then haunting Black Metal through lauded follow-up “The Dreaming I” (2015), Alcameth has once again reified and rarefied this vision, giving rise to a third and crowning work, “Melinoë“, which was released in December 2020.
Earning widespread acclaim for their live performances, AKHLYS secured a partnership with Parasite Gallows Booking in 2022. Amidst numerous tours and festival appearances in Europe, Israel, Latin America and the United States, the recent years have also witnessed the crafting of new compositions destined for the band’s fourth album. Titled “House of the Black Geminus,” this much-anticipated release was released July 5th, 2024.
