What would you get if you matched the fiery intensity of 3 Inches of Blood with the sludgy aggression of Celtic Frost? An age-old question, I know. The answer is, of course, that you would be left with the sounds of Connecticut-based extreme metal trio Kaos Reign, a group with a truly unique sound. There is no better an example as to how the band have successfully mixed power metal vocals with thrash metal and, somehow, a general doom metal aesthetic, than their new album, Epiphany. Epiphany, the third release by the group, is a smorgasbord of variety and style, a collection of differing tropes from various heavy metal sub-genres which, by all accounts, should not work when combined, yet somehow this New England band have managed to make it not only work, but work damn well.
Right from the offset, Kaos Reign identify Epiphany as being different from that which surrounds it within the contemporary metal scene, with the introductory track, “Selfish Backstabber” opening with an unusual, yet alluring, fretless bass riff. The allure of the riff does not last for long however before Kaos Reign throw the listener into the deep end, hurling as down-tuned, chunky riffs and hi-hat drumbeats as they can, burying you in ridiculously weighty metal. When listening to “Selfish Backstabber”, fans will be faced with the distinguished style of play which the group have utilized throughout Epiphany, with the high pitched, wavering vocals queerly matched with grim, angry riffs, dripping with doomish finesse.
As one continues their adventure through the musical madness of Epiphany, it becomes readily apparent that the sometimes surreal style in which Kaos Reign mix together contrasting musical components is not random, but expertly planned out. A great deal of care and attention has been put into assuring that the album manages to sound different and unique, yet does not go so far as to isolate the listener or alienate fans. Due to this, listeners cannot anticipate how a song will sound, even when listening to it, as at any moment, a track could dramatically change in style or even genre.
One such example of this is title track “Epiphany”, a song which begins with slow, heavily distorted guitar notes, traditional of the doom genre, yet quickly throws off that style of play and, with the aid of blasting drumbeats and hoarse screamed vocals, transforms in to something far more akin to that of a thrash song. The fury of “Epiphany” smashes into the ears of the listener through this thrash section, and is the style which dominates most of the track, though is not the final to be heard. Peppered throughout “Epiphany” are areas where the music will slow slightly, and the vocals will become clear and prominent, similar to what might be expected of power metal, changing the entire pacing of the track, and keeping listeners on their toes.
Epiphany is not a standard album by any stretch of the imagination. It contrasts everything which surrounds it in the modern metal scene, even contrasting itself at times, and due to this, challenges the listener. This ultimately means that Epiphany will not be to every listener’s taste, coming across as too bizarre for some. However, those who are willing to allow their musical perceptions be challenged will be heavily rewarded, and will most certainly regard Epiphany as a truly special album.
Epiphany is out now and is available to buy here.
Grest album! Totally new but offers considerable old school appeal.
Glad you enjoyed it also – can’t be a bit of old-school :)