THE WAY THINGS END

French band AKIN was formed back in 1998. They issued a demo the following year which was favorably received by the metal press, with a full-length album following in 2001 and an EP two years later. After a spell of inactivity the band got together again in 2009, and in 2011 they were signed by the US label Progrock Records, which subsequently released their second CD "The Way Things End".

Akin has constructed a beautiful piece of eclectic art rock with "The Way Things End", blending art rock and progressive metal in a successful and easy-to-like manner, yet with enough twists and turns to satisfy many who crave music that is of a fairly challenging variety. The tight interaction with a string quartet and its role in the proceedings suggest to me that fans of US act District 97 may be something of a key audience also for Akin, and I would suggest those who enjoy one of those to also take the time and listen to the other, which, presumably, should give both these bands some new fans.