Kataplexia - ¨Supreme Authority¨
(Finland, Xtreem Music Records/ 053, Brutal Death Metal, 2008)
Initially born as a project created by Rodrigo Artiga from El Salvador, Kataplexia is for sure one of the most important brutal death metal bands coming from Finland! Mainly influenced by very known bands such as: Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Pyrexia, Dying Fetus or Internal Bleeding, the leader and the mastermind behind this combo started to create songs for some other names too: Deepred and Kabak! And listening to his last creation we can see that he had accumulated a lot of very good and interesting ideas in the latest years! Following to Catastrophic Scenes recorded in 2005, Supreme Authority shows us the new brutal death metal way taken by the European bands in the last few years or so! A combination between the usual U.S. brutal death metal, filled with the European death metal technical level and a vocal score taken from the underworld. We can find here excellent rhythm changes, but some technical moments too; al these being masterly combined with some core metal lines and with a slower playing manner from time to time. The vocal score, as I’ve already mentioned, is probably the main attraction point of this CD, the guttural score reminding me frequently of Suffocation on their first releases. Supreme Authority is in point of view a good album, a chance to hear the U.S. brutal death metal style played by a European band! The final result, you’ll see, being a very good one in the end; perhaps the revelation of the last year for me! Check on eye on it and you can’t be disappointed I assure you!
Contact: kataplexia@helsinkilainen.com
Playing time: 33:41
Review by Litocranius
Probably one of the most technical epic death metal albums I've ever heared in the latest 10 years ro so, ¨Melodies of Sperm Composed¨ runs over a road opened many, many years ago by very known bands such as: Cynic, Death, Nocturnus, Pestilence or Atheist! Although the guitar solos are awesome the Italians decided to insert a few lines made on keyboard; and that thing makes me to compare Karnak to the US death metal masters Nocturnus! Aggressive but still melodical, ¨Melodies of Sperm Composed¨ carrys us through pedophiles and sexual maniacs world; the lyrical themes imagined by the Italians being frequently met at the gore-grind bands. Karnak's psycho death metal is very well combined with some jazz phases, the final result being a very good one in the end!The vocal register own by Seby is very close to C. Schuldiner's way of playing, the last one being the death metal father as you all know! Band's rhythmical section is an infernal one, although the drummer uses only simple beatings. The sound and production are both OK, thanks especially to Fear Studio and to the sound engineer Paso. The cover artwork is something I've never saw until today, but still in a tight connection with the whole content of this album called ¨Melodies of Sperm Composed¨! I'd like to remind you that this CD contains a multimedia part for the PC owners. Get this killer album and I assure you that you won't be dissapointed by Italians atmospherical and technical death metal effort.
Contact: www.twepla.com
Playing time: 35:03
Review by Litocranius
Kaminari - “Kaminari”
(Germany, Self released, Hard-Rock, 2002)
As stated in their bio sheet the word "Kaminari" is the Japanese word for Thunderstorm. They mix hard-rock with heavy metal elements, the songs are mid-tempo in general and the lyrics have somehow a Christian approach (Babylon, Guardian Angel). The capability for composition is good enough and the songs are much diversified. The best song here is "My black colors" which sounds like a heavy-metal super hit (if you can talk about such things) especially the radio edit. For a debut release this is good enough.
Contact: thunder@kaminari-music.de
Playing time: 25:24
Review by Cătălin Carlaonţ
Kaos - “Kaos”
(U.S.A., After the End Publishing, Thrash, 2003)
K-A-O-S! God damn it I love this release! The sick vocals (one of the vocals I’ve ever heard) the catching riffs and the numerous breaks that are to be found on this MCD. Listening to “Paralyzed by the fear” I’ve had a new image of how a thrash metal song should sound. The most extreme song here is the third “Descent into madness” which has a very good refrain. This kind of music is not made to be listened at home, you got to see this live I think that they kick ass! Buy, buy, and buy!
Contact: kaos@kaosamongus.com
Playing time: 12:02
Review by Cătălin Carlaonţ
Kaoteon - “Provenance of Hatred”
(Lebanon, Unsung Heroes, Black Metal, 2004)
I'd heard Kaoteon being described as “The Beherit from Beirut”. Amusing as that sounds, it's not too far from the truth, since there is a strong influence from early 90's black metal in Kaoteon's sound. They aren't a rip off band, although the musical components are very familiar; raw melodic riffs are woven around a frame work of predominantly fast tempi, topped off with Holocausto-esque vocal noises. I'll also have to make reference to the quality of the production, which is clear, raw and first rate. Despite extreme metal being illegal in their homeland, Kaoteon display a very good grasp of the genre with this first demo. Hopefully we will be hearing more from KAOTEON in the future.
Kekal - “The Painful Experience”
(Indonesia, Hrom Records, Black/Death, 2001)
A very extreme kind of music is proposed to us by this Indonesian band. Extreme but not qualitative, mixed all together with lots of poppy elements of a bad taste. There are some interesting parts: the rhythmical section is very good giving the necessary speed for this kind of music. In the fourth track (Like there's no way to go) is a very strong riff witch has a stoner rock touch. One annoying thing here is the voice. They have a good technique but I think that they can compose even better music. This sounds too exotic for my ears. Also a negative part here is the production for the drums which are not sounding to well, they sound like a drum machine (even if in this band there is a drummer). You can find even a pseudo ballad here "The painful experience" or shall I call it slow metal with a black metal screamed voice. If you buy this you will decide for yourself if this music is good or bad, but I suggest you to think before doing it because there are lots of better bands in the underground world!
Contact: hirax@stonlike.sk
Playing time: 59:31
Review by Cătălin Carlaonţ
Khanate - “Khanate”
(USA, Southern Lord, Doom, 2001)
Four musicians well known for being responsible for other great moments of metal music (James Plotkin, Stephen O'Malley, Alan Dubin and Tim Wyskida) join together to create one of the most intense and loathing musical formula ever.
Imagine a few doomsday preachers locked in an old theater for 25 years together with just instruments and left there to starve and write agonizing hateful deep intense psychological dramas to an apocalypse they are only physical blind to. So they use huge riffs, ugly and intense lines, hideous vocals with different effects, that yell, scream, recite mental states of a maniac on the bridge of passing beyond sanity into subhuman deliriums.
The existential disgust drama has Dubin in center, with his hellish hyper-realistic depictions of sickness, Plotkin, O'Malley and Wyskida set the perfect stage using the language of style pioneered by Melvins, Boris and Earth, for something that resembles a monologue of mad man on hypnotic apocalyptic sounds slowly grinding by line and level the flesh and bones (Pieces of Quiet). Skin Coat may very well be a serial killer video tape with sick scenes, wet dirty floors in dark underground places where the musical persona crawls like an abnormal urban psychological predator, at times vanishing, then rapidly closing on you, suffocatingly near, creating paranoia and horror.
Torching Koroviev is an interlude of chaotic vocals and effects on linear guitar noise,
Under Rotting Sky expands the perspective of the drama to an almost opened breathable location but still no mercy or sanity involved and No Joy is pouring like venom, slow, perverse and fatal, a continual funeral with no hope or will of revival.
Certainly this debut is one of those albums you could never play in a background while doing something else.
Contact: http://www.ideologic.org
www.southernlord.com/
Playing time: 56:25
Review by Gheif
Kimaera - “Ebony Veiled”
(
The true art can’t be forbidden, wasted or hidden and even under totalitarian reign it will show to the world an excellent masterpieces. Kimaera are the band from
Website: www.kimaera.org
Order: www.stygiancrypt.cjb.net
Playing time: 51:34
Review by Sulpher
Klabautamann - “Our Journey through the Woods” (re-release)
(
Anymore, folk black metal, just as traditional black metal, can be a watered-down and bland genre. Just as there are hundreds of Darkthrone clones ensuring that black metal remains more of a dull gray, there are the throngs of Ulver wannabes that tarnish their beloved planet with the production of unoriginal CDs that we’re really better off without. However, as is the case with any over-saturated genre, every once in a while a band will come along that turns up fresh soil, that shows there are still new ideas to be explored and reminds us that great art can still be created using that particular sonic palette. Such is the case with the German band Klabautamann and this, their debut album, “Our Journey through the Woods.”
Originally recorded between 2001 and 2002 and released in 2003 by the band themselves, “Our Journey through the Woods” has just been made publicly available again in 2008 by the American label Vendlus Records, and thank Odin because otherwise this gem might’ve been lost forever! On “Intro: Walking Through Twilight,” the album opens with the sound of footsteps walking outside, crunching on twigs and dead leaves. It’s almost like someone entering the woods and bringing the listener along, giving more meaning to the album’s title and setting the stage for the rest of the album to follow. A beautiful, rhythmic clean guitar melody comes in, almost jig-like in nature with beautiful high-end harmonies swelling in and out like the last wisps of sunlight before nightfall. As the bliss suddenly breaks with the album’s first real song, “Der Nöck,” it doesn’t take long to see where the band’s strongest talents lie on this album. Opening the track with furious drumming and vicious, thrashy guitars, I was a little put off at first listen. The guitar riff was rather uninspiring and the drumming, though tight, was far from unique. However, listening further, the true brilliance of Klabautamann became apparent. Never hanging on to one riff for too long, the guitars are in constant motion going from one idea to the next. First it’s one riff, then another, then a repeat of the first, then something completely different altogether, then maybe a variation of an earlier theme, and so on. It is the attention to detail on this album that sets it apart from the rest. Just as you think you might get bored with a riff, something will happen to keep you focused; maybe a variation in the drum beat to shift dynamics or a beautiful lead or acoustic guitar part (of which there are many) that you find yourself rewinding back to listen to over and over again. Structurally and compositionally, I would say this has almost as much to do with composers such as Edward Grieg or Richard Wagner as it does with bands like Ulver or In the Woods…. The album mostly goes back and forth between faster, blasting sections and driving, midtempo parts with occasional slow moments and folk and classical-inspired acoustic breaks. My favorite track on the album is “Seaghost,” its main guitar riff a pummeling, aggressive buzz while everything is kept moving forward by its driving rhythm. The song, as most on the album are, is structured perfectly and has some real stand-out melodies to be heard.
Overall, this is a very strong release, especially considering it was the band’s first album. As mentioned before, many riffs and individual parts are not particularly attention-grabbing, but Klabautamann more than make up for that with their careful attention to detail when structuring songs and shifting dynamics. Even the album is put together well to be listened to from start to finish, taking a break in the middle with the beautiful acoustic track “Elfentanz,” its lush melodies providing a soothing break from the aggressiveness found on the rest of the album. One other weak point I feel I should mention is the sound on this album. On one hand, I can see how some people would like it; it has a certain quality to it not unlike that of Vintersorg’s “Ödemarkens Son” album. However, I think something could’ve been done to make it sound a little fuller and it could’ve also been mixed a little better, the bass guitar being a little too loud at times. But, these are little things that don’t stand in the way of the music being heard. Overall, this is a fantastic debut album that makes me want to look into some of this band’s later releases. Sure to appeal to fans of Vintersorg, Ulver, In the Woods…, etc. Thank Vendlus Records for seeing fit to re-release this album!
Contact: contact@klabautamann.de
Playing time: 51:32
Review by Colin Williamson
Kontro - “Kontro EP”
(
Kontro was formed in summer 2002 with the intention to play metal without stylistic ties. This self titled 4 track EP is the debut, which was released last year and I think they’ve attained the goal. The songs are indeed hard to classify. Modern Death/Trash Metal mixed with different styles and gimmicks. You can find Nu Metal and Hardcore influences and riffs, some Grind and Black Metal screams or subtle placed electronic and distorted sounds. All is mixed pretty well without becoming a chaos, and above all there’s still a personal touch. It reminds me a little of Strapping Young Lad because of the structures, I would even call it progressive here and there. Fresh and courageous! Max’ vocals are ranging from clean Power Metal-like passages (I mean bands like Nevermore, not the ridiculous stuff) to extreme screams and growls.
The political and social-critical lyrics fit best with this sound. I especially like the fuck off list in the booklet: “Fuck off to the rich fat pigs that control the world economy, their dogs: the politicians, the dog slaves: the police forces.”
Unfortunately there’s very little information about the band, in the booklet as well as on the net, but at least you can listen to the whole EP on MySpace. Check it out, especially “In your Face” will blow you away! I’m looking forward to the debut, it has to be a pretty strong one!
Contact: www.myspace.com/thekontro
Marco2026@libero.it
Playing Time: 17:11
Review by Dr.Winter (07/07)
Korgul the Exterminator - ¨Dogs of War¨
(Spain, Xtreem Music Records/ 061, Thrash Metal, 2009)
Founded 5 years ago in Barcelona, Korgul the Exterminator was mainly created as parallel project of Joe Bastard (Akerbeltz, Beheaded Lamb, Harridan, etc…), a person that seems to have a lot in common with the Spanish underground metal scene, and a member of a local black metal gang. Probably because Joe didn’t found the perfect personal for its new baby, he decided to put this band on stand by until 2007. Together with: Lilith Necrobitch (Harridan, Akerbeltz, Beheaded Lamb), Drizzt Sarnad (Amnion, Empty) and Mark Wild, a guitar player looking for a band, Joe released a Split CD with Morbid Yell (The Black Legions March Over The Killing Fields) that saw the day-light through Thor’s Hammer Productions. Very soon after that Joe was joined by Steel Maniac on bass, and with a new idea about the future of this band. Sharing stages with important extreme metal bands such as: Inquisition, Old, Zed Yago, Portrait, Sinister, Graveyard, Fleshcrawl and too many to be mentioned here, Korgul the Exterminator inked a deal with the national label Xtreem Music in 2008! The result of this new collaboration is band’s first album called Dogs of War!
The musical way of playing is a combination between old thrash elements and a vocal score that reminds me about early black metal bands such as Bathory, Tormentor or old Mayhem. Even the so called axe thrash metal is so primitive and makes me wonder if this band isn’t a reminiscence of that kind of thrash metal that some of you heard 30 years ago!
Dogs of War is a very interesting album, something I wanted to hear for such a long time; skilled musical lines, many rhythm changes, a modern thrash core attitude and! A musical content that was combined with many mid tempo moments and with some slower phases that I very much liked in the end! The cover artwork reflects 100% the CD title, and it fits perfectly with the whole lyrical concept; all in all a very good material for a first opus I assure you. In the end I’d like you to note that Korgul the Exterminator still represents a big surprise for me, a name that very soon will tell you much more things that it did until now! I hope you’ll love as much as I do, and in the end you will buy this new thrash metal jewel signed Korgul the Exterminator!
Contact: lilithsinferno@hotmail.com
Playing time: 43:55
Review by Litocranius
Kots - “Serial Suicide”
(The Netherlands, Bizarre Leprous Records, Cyber Grind, 2004)
Probably one of the most hard digested grind-noise acts ever, Kots unleashes a musical war through its last album called "Serial Suicide"; if we could label this sound torment to be music. With the help of a drum machine, probably a synthesizer, the Dutch Kots try to create the most brutal music earth ever heard.
Their grind-noise musical combination is full of hope; but in my point of view Kots have no fucking chance before those that hardly tries to limit of technological means of the 21st century. Combo who uses only traditional musical instruments. One of the most eloquent examples is given by the U.S. brutal death-grind masters Brodequin; one of the most fast and brutal bands from U.S. brutal scene. A brutality reached only with conventional means, not with PC's as other bands do. Kots tracks are to short, maybe one minute or less for each one; its musical themes being centered on various traumas of the human body.
To be frank with you I have no fucking idea what could attract my attention on this product, except Erwin S.M.E.S. vocal register. Unfortunately for me he's using only vocal effects, which is a bad idea. I also think Kots music could be find interesting by some of you, but I consider it to strange for my taste. Because in my views extreme metal music means guitar riffs and guitar bass attacks. But Kots have no fucking idea about true rock music.
Besides all this, the CD artwork is a very interesting one, being by far one of the best I've ever seen in the last few years. My perplexity is how this musical genre will sound 10 years from now on, because this could be the future of a musical genre I very much like.
Review by Litocranius
Krv - “Silna Volja Srebra”
(Bosnia & Herzegovina, Walk Records, Black Metal, 2006)
Krv (meaning “blood”) share members with Silent Kingdom, but the similarity between the two bands really ends there. “Silna Volja Srebra” is a savage mauling from start to finish, with fizzy, abrasive guitars dominating the mix, as is usual for black metal. Krv are able to create some dissonant, evil sounding riffs; in fact the guitar playing here, whilst firmly within the BM framework, sound twisted and unique, so much so I can't think of anything to compare it to. “Crni Iebeni Metal” and “Krv” are particularly unfriendly and the best two tracks on here for me (though I like all of it, to be honest). Anybody who likes sick primitive black metal should check out Krv immediately. Uncouth, brutal and savage, this is joyously nasty stuff! Pro-printed CD-R with 2 page booklet is available from Walk Recs.
Contact: walkrec@teol.net
Playing time: 24:49
Review by Jamie Smith
Kult ov Azazel - “Oculus Infernum”
(U.S.A., Arctic Music Group, Raw Black Metal, 2003)
Well one night I’ve got this CD in my mailbox (directly from Xaphan) and think...”a new Kult ov Azazel CD well this will be good for my ears” and I was right. Just pushing the play button and my stereo I’ve felt like descending in hell. Who said that the bands from U.S. cannot play true black metal? Find this and you`ll be convinced that they are the true followers of the Nordic scene. They play the Darkthrone (old period) / Marduk style of black metal without female voices keyboards or serene atmosphere. All here is raw and grim and played at the highest speed possible.
The production should be noted because is very hard and clear. If you are not a die hard fan of the black metal genre you will not get a kick out of this release, but if you like it in the raw and grim form here you have it!
Contact: k6u6l6t@kultovazazel.com
Playing time: 44:54
Review by Cătălin Carlaonţ