Keeper – The Space Between Your Teeth (Review)

Keeper are a Doom band from the US and this is their latest EP.

Keeper have graced these pages before on their split with Sea Bastard release.

Here they treat us to two tracks of ultra-heavy Doom that snarls and crushes yet also has a contemplative side.

The vocals are so serrated that this EP should come with a health warning. Their scathing assault is a reminder of how truly harsh screamed vocals can sound from the right singer.

The music is down-beat Doom which is slow enough to cast a grim shadow where it falls but energetic enough to keep a beat to. Although they specialise in the heavier side of Doom, the songs also carry a multitude of melodies through these tumultuous waters. Said melodies are largely low-key affairs content to hide just below the heavier rhythms, although this is not always the case.

The band’s more nuanced side manifests through these streaks of melodic colour and also through some Isis/Cult of Luna-esque Post-Metal moments.

The entire package is rounded off with a strong sound that accentuates all of the band’s strengths, leaving them free to pursue the music through to its logical conclusion.

Keeper have released a devastating calling card with their new EP, one that will surely, and rightfully, gain them many accolades.