This is the fifth album from US doom metallers Khemmis.
If you’re a fan of Khemmis, then a new record from the band is a big deal. If you’re not, you must check out Absolution, Hunted, Desolation, and Deceiver, as well as this new one. We’re in self titled territories here, which usually Means Something. So what does the 44 minutes of new material on Khemmis have to offer?
Khemmis once again treat listeners to a feast of doom and heavy metal. It probably leans towards the latter more than the former on Khemmis. However, the doom is still a major part of their sound, so fear not fans of classic doom metal. Khemmis have it covered, operating in a space that should satisfy fans of both parent styles. The band have a new bassist, bolstering the band’s rhythm section. His presence is felt in its own right, enriching the material. The dual vocals – harsh and clean – continue to be assets, especially the primary clean singing.
The music’s foundation of strong melodic structures are deeply dug, boosted by giant riffs and the sort of leads and solos that many an act would kill for. There’s sweeping and epic atmosphere aplenty, and it’s packed with huge metallic earworms. There’s no filler or unnecessary fat anywhere to be found; Khemmis is all about the love of pure doomed heavy metal, and it’s a scorcher.
Khemmis sound on fire, with an energy that burns brightly throughout the record. They’re supremely confident in the core of their sound, so they also play with their formula. This might manifest as an extreme metal influence such as blast beats, (Invocation of the Dreamer or Carrion King), harsher than normal growls, (Corpsebloom Garden), a bit of progressive noodling, (Beneath the Scythe), a real heavy metal drum intro, (Gilded Chambers), or acoustic guitar, (Tomb of Roses). Whatever Khemmis get up to across the songs though, it’s always very good.
So, a new Khemmis album, a new collection of songs that cement the band as one of the very best playing this sort of style. For fans of contemporary doom and heavy metal, there’s little to find fault with here. Khemmis is a great new record from this superlative act.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 