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The Devil's in The Details: Axioma's Triumphant Reign in Cleveland's Metal Underground


Copyright 2024, Josh Harris


Axioma, coming out from Cleveland’s rust laden, yet vibrant metal scene, is a band that is hard to comprehend and extremely stretches the limits of the genre. With the rich history of Cleveland's music scene which spans multiple genres, Blackened nihilistic doom core has been their music.


Rich in atmosphere, which encompasses both rawness typical to black metal and brooding melancholy peculiar to doom metal as well as progressive technicality shown in progressive metal. This exceptional mix also draws from post-metal with industrial aspects that have built a fanatical fan base for this band while solidifying their place as one of the prominent underground acts.


Cyril Blandino, guitarist and composer of the band, (Forged in Flame, Morgue) is nothing short of an enlightened figure. His riffs are full of aggression and skill creating complex web-like sound that keeps you captivated or confused. Each note conjures up chaos in cosmos and ancient rituals creating a sonic world where listeners find themselves in darkness and despair.



Aaron Dallison is Axioma’s vocalist and bassist, (Keelhaul, Escalation Anger, Ex-Ringworm, Brain Tentacles) who represents their tormented spirit. His lyrics explore solitary confinement, losing hope, existential angst consequently common among people living in modern societies. Complimenting the band’s solemn inward-looking music are his growls and voices that add another emotional dimension to their art.



The drumming skills possessed by Nick Amato (Once Flesh, Atomic Witch) makes him an unstoppable rhythmic moveable object. His drumming never ceases blast beats, double bass pedals as well as intricate fillings which mean every song by Axioma moves forward with a strong momentum behind it. He provides an essential basis for Axioma’s music formation.



Apart from being talented musicians, Axioma represent resilience and artistic integrity amidst trends that dominate this field today. In spite of the trend-driven nature of the music business they have not swayed from their own vision where they continue to hold onto it tight. Their music is a testament to human strength but also struggle; a story that there can be meaning even in the most difficult circumstances.


Axioma's impact on the Cleveland metal scene extends beyond their music. They are an inspiration to other aspiring musicians, a testament to the city's rich musical heritage, and a beacon of hope for those who feel marginalized or misunderstood. Their music is a reflection of the human condition, a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.


Axioma’s music is unconventional and unique in sound, as they blend black metal, doom metal, progressive metal, industrial and post-metal to produce a sound that is theirs alone. This makes them distinct from others in the same genre and has earned the band an enthusiastic following both locally and beyond.


Axioma remains true to their artistic vision even when it seems like every other band around them changes with every passing trend. They do not conform for commercial appeal but instead go for raw, honest and unyielding music. In fact, this is why Axioma gets much respect from fans of its music and fellow bands alike. Axioma has managed to be prolific in underground metal while remaining loyal to their aesthetic values. They serve as inspirations to younger artists by proving that fame can come without compromising one’s beliefs.


By playing shows around Cleveland with other local bands, collaborating with other artists or promoting the Cleveland metal community through interactions made via social media platforms or interviews conducted with various media outlets (i.e., magazines), Axioma shows active support for the local scene. Their devotion towards unity among all members is crucial to continued prosperity of the scene.


The lyrics of Axioma songs resonate with those who have felt the despondency associated with life in an ex-industrial area plagued by loss, abandonment or poverty through some kind of isolation. Their music is what underpins human endurance as well as serves as a testament on how resilient people are after decades of hardship in a former steel town like Cleveland.


In summary, what sets Axioma apart in Cleveland’s metal world are its exceptional style of play; staying true to its artistry; fostering communalism; plus bonding deeply into fan base’s soul. It epitomizes local music diversity while giving hope to outcasts suffering from alienation at present or the past. In terms of metal music, this group is not one to be taken lightly

Ultraviolet Magazine

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