As a writer of a certain age, people often expect me to write solely about set genres of rock and metal. It is so refreshing for me to be able to review something that little bit different, that something a little bit darker than my norm. When I came across this, not only was I pleased by the quality of the music, I was instantly taken back and reminded how I felt when I found Black Sabbath for the very first time, how the music just enveloped me and affected every sensory pore of my humble mind.
The band, Karnayn (he of the two horns (Alexander the Great) ), is a band from South Shields and that is about all I know of them, other than The Blood is their second release to date. Its says that this release is an EP, however I have had shorter running times on albums released by major artists, so you really are getting a lot of music for your hard earned cash. The style itself can be described as sludge like guitars with doom vocals. This is a hard edged sound which often gets overlooked and generalised with several other sub-genres of metal. It is a real shame when this happens as bands always write to be individual and the tracks we have on The Blood highlight this very point.
“Transcend” opens up with a surprisingly quick opening riff soon slows down to give the vocals to express its gravitas. You travel through this piece and it seems as it is taking you from ‘Real’ time and slows you right down to where you need to be to appreciate the music in its purest form.
The production of this is spot-on, with everything sounding as it should. Fuzz laden guitars with that bass filling in those low notes and bulking out the sound. Drums are solid with the cymbals quite high in the mix which is something which can often be overlooked in this style. The vocals throughout this album are strong, never letting go of its ferocity for a second.
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Next track “Nihilism” has a much more chuggy guitar riff which is matched at time by the lyrical riff. In some respects you could call it a mid-section break, but at around four minutes in, there is one awesome movement change which hammers home how damn good this track really is.
What a riff in the next track “A.C.M” with it being so simple but so very effective. This opens up the track and you’re then thrown into the core of the song where this riff dissolves into the sonic two chord mayhem which just about blows your mind. When you think you have a handle on the track, it moves up through the gears and runs you out of town.
With track “Conquer”, there is definitely an increase of beats per minute in this track yet it retains its Sludge pedigree. The Riff is a real ear-worm which is the whole key to the track. You have that break down in the middle but you’re soon thrown back into the storm. The shortest track by far on the Album and probably an entry track for those unaware of the band.
With closer “Insomnia”, the king of this offering by far and at almost twelve minutes long yet when you listen, time really does just disappear. You become totally immersed as the track washes right over you. Subtle movement changes throughout are matched by some very unsubtle ones. There are some fantastic drum rolls in this track that are worthy of note, along with some amazing guitar work. Having suffered with insomnia from time to time, the whole essence of the track is spot on, with the vocal style and lyrical content leaving that exact feeling you have in the small hours of the night. The addition of the female vocals near the end is just inspired!
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I am in awe of the craftsmanship that has gone into making this offering. It deserves to be heard and recognised as one of the best EPs/albums of its genre to be released this year. Find it on Bandcamp and check it out. If you are new to this style of music then I suggest “Conquer” and go from there. I’ll be searching out these guys on the live circuit at some point soon.
The Blood is out now
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