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Friday, January 23, 2004
"'Things Viral' by Khanate"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 23, 2004 A.D.
From the category "massive as Hell...." The band Khanate is one of the new breed of Doom Metal. They hammer-out expansive, utterly heavy slabs of Drone/Doomdeath Metal atmosphere. Their 2003 opus, "Things Viral" [Southern Lord Records], is like being trapped in an auto body crusher after a caffeine binge.
It ain't pretty. In fact, it is so ugly that it is cool. Projectile, shrieked vocals pierce gut-wrenchingly heavy slides of slow, oppressive guitars. The rhythms ooze-the grooves are mountainous. Each song is huge, usually over 10 minutes in length easily. (And that's why there's only four tracks...about an hour in total running time.)
The best of these wretched glories includes the abysmal pondering "Dead," and the pulverizing "Too Close Enough To Touch." Khanate is like watching all the stars burn out.
Overall, Khanate has created one intensely powerful opus of Drone/Doomdeath Metal. This one is guaranteed to fill your heart with dread. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Sourvein, Boris, Warhorse, Sleep,
Cathedral, Penance, Acid Bath, Obsessed,
Godflesh, Grief, Saint Vitus, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.
Copyright 2004.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 5:48 PM
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
"'Failure On' by Beloved"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 20, 2004 A.D.
The Melodic Hardcore scene continues to flourish, with an ever-expanding mob of great acts. One such new act is Beloved, whose sound is vibrant as well as powerful. Their 2003 opus, "Failure On" [Tooth & Nail Records], is a trippy yet aggressive display of melodious intensity. Ferocity comes in many shades.
Beloved adeptly implements a dynamic of complimentary contrasts-clean vocals against growls, melodic Punk guitars juxtaposed to massive blasts. It's beautiful and brutal, with a dark eloquence all its own. Beloved is sublimely severe.
The best of these fiery wonders includes the explosive roar of "Defect To Decay," "Only Our Faces Hide," the soft glimmer of "Allure," "Death To Traitors," and the fierce "Insult To Injury." Beloved is very cool.
In summary, Beloved adds a nice twist to the Melodic Hardcore slugfest. They stand above the growing howl of screaming masses. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Alien Ant Farm, Pressure 4-5, Element
Eighty, Onesidezero, Chevelle, Taproot,
From Autumn To Ashes, Blamed, Dead
Poetic, Project 86, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.
Copyright 2004.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
W.B. Vogel III 12:39 PM
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