Aklias Channel Classic Metal Roots into a Modern Onslaught — “Last Stand” Doesn’t Flinch – 4/5
Aklias return with “Last Stand,” a single that wastes no time in making its presence felt. The track opens with a long, deliberate introduction — nearly a minute of tension and atmosphere — where a subtle shift in pace feigns restraint. It’s a moment of compositional sleight-of-hand, like a footballer shaping to pass only to surge forward. What follows is a full-throttle assault, tightly executed and emotionally charged.
Steven Hossack’s vocals are feral and commanding, at times threatening to overpower the mix — but never the band. There’s a palpable sense of collective intent: guitar lines from Ryan Davidson and Nick Laidlaw interlock with precision, while latter’s production lends the track a crisp, contemporary edge without scrubbing away its grit. The rhythm section hits hard, yet leaves room for melodic nuance — even an Iron Maiden-esque flourish in the phrasing that nods to classic metal roots beneath the modern aggression.
Aklias wear their influences openly — groove, thrash, nu metal, melodic death — but they’re not beholden to them. “Last Stand” feels urgent, not imitative: a genre-fluid wall of sound, shaped by experience and delivered with conviction.
This isn’t just another release — it’s a statement. Aklias have arrived, and they’re not backing down.
Credits
Steven Hossack – Vocals + Bass Guitar
Ryan Davidson – Lead Guitar
Nick Laidlaw – Rhythm + Lead Guitar
Frankie Haymer – Drums + Backing Vox
Mixing & Mastering: Nick Laidlaw
Songwriters: Steven Hossack, Ryan Davidson, Frankie Haymer, Nick Laidlaw with input from Lewis Gillies
Release: Independent, 2025
Available via normal streamers
