Dark Lord Eau de Parfum bottle Dark Lord
Edp Concentration Edp
U Gender U
2018 Year 2022
££££ Price Tier ££
A'Oud Ancienne Eau de Parfum bottle A'Oud Ancienne
Our Verdict

Dark Lord and A'Oud Ancienne both offer intense, challenging experiences, but diverge in their overall execution. Dark Lord leans into refined darkness with its leather and aromatic spice, while A'Oud Ancienne embraces a more challenging, barnyard-esque oud. The Kilian offers a smoother, albeit still potent, experience, while Rogue Perfumery goes full-throttle animalic. Price is another key difference, with Dark Lord residing in the luxury tier and A'Oud Ancienne being more accessible. If you prefer a touch of elegance with your darkness, go with Dark Lord. If you crave unapologetic, raw oud, A'Oud Ancienne is your pick.

ScentArt

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Dark Lord
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A'Oud Ancienne
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Which Should You Buy?

Choose Dark Lord if...
  • You want a smoother, more refined dark leather scent.
  • You prefer a touch of sweetness in your fragrance.
  • You appreciate beast mode projection and longevity.
  • You are willing to spend more for a luxury brand.
Choose A'Oud Ancienne if...
  • You want a challenging, unapologetic barnyard oud.
  • You like animalic and raw fragrances.
  • You are looking for a more affordable option.
  • You want a unique and daring fragrance.
Our Verdict - Dark Lord
This one's a divisive beast, a love-it-or-hate-it affair that promises intensity. With its beast-mode projection and longevity, By Kilian's Dark Lord is definitely not for the faint of heart, or for someone who wants to blend in. It's an acquired taste, but once acquired, it's addictive.
Acquired
Our Verdict - A'Oud Ancienne
This one's a proper challenge. A'Oud Ancienne is a divisive, full-on barnyard oud that isn't for the faint of heart, but those who 'get it' find it uniquely sexy and artful. If you're after a clean, westernised oud, steer clear, but if you appreciate unapologetic animalics, this could be your jam.
Acquired

Scent Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 9% 0%
Floral 9% 8%
Fruity 6% 1%
Green 5% 8%
Sweet 13% 16%
Warm 30% 13%
Woody 22% 35%
Earthy 19% 22%
Animalic 8% 23%
Fresh 7% 6%

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Dark Lord EdP
A'Oud Ancienne EdP

Notes

Accords

Dark Lord A'Oud Ancienne
100%
Woody
100%
89%
Leather
62%
73%
Earthy
64%
Aromatic
61%
Oud
62%
52%
Smoky
56%
55%
Fresh Spicy
48%
54%
Animalic
52%
Green
Musky
51%
49%
Rum
Mossy
45%
Amber
45%
Woody shared
100%
100%
Leather shared
89%
62%
73%
Aromatic shared
64%
61%
Oud
62%
Smoky shared
52%
56%
Fresh Spicy shared
55%
48%
54%
52%
51%
Rum
49%
45%
45%

Performance

Dark Lord A'Oud Ancienne
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Strong
Projection
Strong
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Dark Lord

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Occasions

Best For:
Date
Also Works:
Formal

Given its strong projection and dark, commanding profile, Dark Lord is too intense for office or casual wear. It suits evening dates and formal events where its luxurious and bold character can shine without overpowering; however, some users noted its divisive nature may mean it won't please everyone, even in such settings.

A'Oud Ancienne

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Also Works:
Date

Given its strong, animalic oud profile, A'Oud Ancienne is far too assertive for the office or formal events. It's best suited for cooler evenings, perhaps on a date where you want to make a bold, unforgettable statement, or an outdoor casual setting where its rough edges feel more at home.

Where to buy

Dark Lord
A'Oud Ancienne
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