Kardashev – Alunea (Review)

This is the third album from US extreme metal band Kardashev.

Kardashev return, after the acclaimed Liminal Rite from 2022. The self-styled deathgaze band have provided us with 43 minutes of new material on Alunea.

Important stuff first – there are no pointless interlude or spoken word tracks in Alunea. Rejoice! What we get instead is eight tracks of Kardashev’s well-curated style.

Although I liked Liminal Rite, I wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as many people were – this was primarily down to how it sounded more than anything, (although the aforementioned interludes/spoke word certainly didn’t help). I’m pleased to say that the production has improved this time around. Over time Liminal Gaze revealed itself to have too much of a plastic-sounding production, which put an unfortunate barrier between me and the material. Although not perfect, Alunea is definitely a step forward in this regard. As such, the music benefits from a more dynamic sound, and it is more easily enjoyed, (by me anyway). I can hear the singer’s obvious talent more here too, as he sounds clearer due to the better recording.

These are not the only differences between the albums either, as other developments also make this the superior record out of the two. Alunea’s deathgaze style is more or less what it says it is – a mix of death metal/deathcore, shoegaze, and progressive metal, with a blackened edge in places. Alunea is more on the progressive death metal side of the extreme metal spectrum though. This, combined with the sonic improvements, make for an album that hits harder than its predecessor.

The songs combine ethereal beauty and harsh aggression. There is serrated extremity and expressive brutality, and this is blended with atmospheric and emotive components to produce compelling songs. Each track brings together Kardashev’s various influences well, with each song offering something a little different. Unexpectedly, the artist behind Genital Shame, who impressed me so much recently, guests on the record, screaming like a maniac on Speak Silence. Jolly good stuff!

Kardashev have impressed on Alunea. They have taken the parts I took issue with on Liminal Rite and either discarded or upgraded them. For me, this is a big win. Top work from Kardashev.

Very highly recommended.