Deceiver

American doom metallers Khemmis are back with a new album to follow their stunning opus “Desolation”.

Opening with a stunning passage of acoustic guitar melodies, the emotional nature of Khemmis is clearly due to be present on this new offering. Quickly subsiding for an array of melodic and triumphant riffing, the traditional heavy metal elements that infuse their potent doom metal is clearly not lost as we hear the sombre tones churn forth a most harrowing backdrop to some truly haunting vocals. Taking both the epic and the funereal moods in their stride, a juxtaposition handled to near perfection on the previous album, it is obvious that the return of Khemmis is one of grandiose, magnificent and equally powerful proportions. The opening song “Avernal Gate” is actually a perfect encapsulation of their sonic and emotional diversity which winds between heavy, doom and even black metal, inclusive of blast beats and scathing riffs alongside harsher vocals as the opening scenes fade to black.

It would be easy to presume as a doom metal band, that all of this music would be slow and mournful. However, almost thrashy drumming is not a rarity, nor are killer galloping riffs that are usually met with soaring leads, taking us back to the roots of metal music while offering something refreshing and unique. Lyrically of course we hear plenty of sorrow unfurl, delivered with a chilling voice that suits the crisp instrumental radiance superbly. A sublime concoction of illuminating sombreness that does not take long to hooks its way into your ears and grip you with their masterfully intense songwriting. The boldness to dip their toes into black and death metal in certain pieces such as “Shroud Of Lethe” pay off to accentuate the intensity of the record in a strange yet not jarring manner that injects some volatility into their sound. To create music that drags in such a distressingly heartfelt manner while avoiding stagnation has been a hurdle many doom metal bands in this vein have fallen at, but Khemmis leap triumphantly along with certain peers such as Warning, Pallbearer, Bell Witch and Spirit Adrift who each have their own uniquely crushing take on the genre.

With a production befitting of such devastating heaviness, there is clear influence of 70s hard rock, traditional heavy metal and even some more modern mixing that gives a smoothness without losing the overall bite of the songs, displaying their majesty in certain splendour. Veiled with a stunning artwork, this release does indeed feel like a whole that has been completely thought out with artistic integrity and clarity, offering the next section of Khemmis’ grand design which is certainly a powerful one. The sheer heaviness of the riffs does not rely on low tunings or overly saturated distortion but rather a more personal input and some ferociously biting grooves. Atop mountainous drum work, these guitars hit like a sledgehammer while the delicate intricacies of the howling vocals elevate things to a more resplendently full sound. A massively weighty delivery of truly brilliant doom metal.

Profoundly haunting music that has desolation and glory abound, continuing in the bands own pathway without repeating themselves, a healthy progression without sacrifice of individual character. Mournful, dejected and yet utterly epic and glorious in equal measures. This record will stay with you, creeping into your mind and pulling you back for more.

Written for www.nattskog.wordpress.com