When I see cover art consists of something that might be featured in the newest set of Magic: The Gathering cards one can be rest assured that I’ll probably listen to it. Normally I’m disappointed by these impulsive nerdy decisions, but Keep of Kalessin brought a blackened smile to my face. Reptilian will be released in America on June 8th by Nuclear Blast Records. This is going to be a candidate for my favorite record so far this year. Fans of Emperor, 1349, and Satyricon will be left screaming to the sky in blood soaked joy.
I feel this record incorporates so many elements, compositionally and audio quality wise, to the ever evolving genre that is Black Metal. The production quality is far from traditional, but this isn’t a quantized and soulless metal record made to churn out a couple bucks. This quartet has written an incredible record while implementing orchestral keyboards coupled with triumphant shout along vocals. That fact alone makes this record stand out as a quality hybrid of Black Metal’s history books.
The drumming has some genuine thickness and power behind its relentless and controlled assault. Blasting is the most prevalent source, but the fills and climactic tempo shifts are masterfully written as well as executed. Guitar wise, the riffing maintains its intensity coupled with the triumphant feeling behind the song organization. It’s remarkable to believe that one guitar player can pump out such unique sounding riffs that even have facets of modern progressive metal. The solos are exceptional as well, which pierce through the heavy rhythms and tastefully incorporated keyboards. Those who like their metal with a thrashy taste will not be disappointed either. The speed with which certain riffs and solos are executed bring a moshtastic twist amidst the darkened and furious tales of “The Divine Land” and “Reptilian Mastery”.
Vocally this record stands out with several styles. The evil and bellowing blackened growls are filled with insatiable anger. What is most interesting though is that the use of shout alongs stands out as a climactic device for the band. The entirely audible and comprehensible shouts give a sense of epic camaraderie which I hope will be replicated by a live experience.
Their control is undeniable, these guys know their instruments backwards and forwards. They can probably play them while reciting blasphemous philosophy simultaneously (backwards) from the feelings this record inspires.
9.5/10 severed dragon heads for Keep of Kalessin.
This band gives me hope not only for the future of progressively minded black metal, but the progression of ALL heavy music. Phenomenal record! Catch Keep of Kalessin on tour with Nile, Ex Deo, Psycroptic, and Pathology this November in the US!
Pre-order their record here: http://store.nuclearblastusa.com/Artist/Keep_Of_Kalessin/10632
Favorite Tracks: Dragon Iconography/The Dragon Tower
10/31 Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11
11/01 Louisville, KY @ Headliner's Music Hall
11/02 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
11/03 Farmingdale, NY @ Crazy Donkey
11/04.10 Manchester, NH @ Rocko's
11/05 Providence, RI @ Club Hell
11/06 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
11/07 Detroit, MI @ Blondie's
11/08 Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Rock Club
11/09 St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
11/12 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
11/13 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
11/14 San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
11/15 Ramona, CA @ Ramona Mainstage
11/16 Los Angeles, CA @ Key Club
11/17 Mesa, AZ @ U.B.'s Bar
11/18 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
11/20 Austin, TX @ Emo's
11/21 Houston, TX @ The Warsaw
11/23 Orlando, FL @ Club Firestone
11/24 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
No comments:
Post a Comment