Deathkings: All that is Beautiful

Deathkings is an excellent band. I've been interested in them since I reviewed Destroyer not long ago. I'm especially drawn to the sound—it's a combination of doom and experimental music that works beautifully. Even though the sound here owes a great deal to doom metal, Deathkings isn't just another typical doom band. Instead, these guys create doom atmospheres, the kind that call attention to the power of silence and of atmosphere. On this release, the band explores the long form even more than on the prior album. None of the songs are less than 10 minutes long; most are pushing the 20 minute mark. I always worry that the different portions of songs will lead to some flagging energies or creative lulls. That doesn't happen here. Even better the tracks aren't designed to be exercises in length only, opportunities to go on and on without direction or purpose. But this band isn't like that. The music is clearly divided into sections that not only suit the music but also the lyrical themes. To my mind, the band warrants comparison to the now disbanded Secrets of the Sky, another band that understood the importance of the varying space, sound, and power.

I recommend listening to this album 2 or 3 times before making a final judgment. The first two tracks need some mulling over, but they are worth the effort. The last two tracks are even stronger, but they are best understood within the context of the album. I'd love to catch this band live.

Track Listing:
1. Sol Invictus
2. The Storm
3. The Road to Awe
4. Dakhma

Added: March 5th 2016
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1471
Language: english

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