From Denver, Colorado comes Khemmis, a powerful doom metal four piece band whose latest album Desolation is being released in North America on 20 Buck Spin and Nuclear Blast through the rest of the globe. Containing only six tracks, Desolation wastes no time kicking into gear and completely kicking your ass, the production values instantly apparent on opening cut "Bloodletting", a churning classic metal track with plenty of doom overtones. The lead vocals of Phil Pendergast are superb, and expect loads of heavy riffs and swirling twin guitar harmonies, the bands listed influences Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest more than apparent. "Isolation" chugs along with a clear nod to the NWOBHM, while the moodier "Flesh to Nothing" is a great vehicle for Pendergast's 'Warrel Dane-ish' vocals and loads of distorted riff-o-rama. "The Seer" again sees some fantastic riffs that just sound larger than life (the production from Dave Otero is truly outstanding), while "Maw of Time" mixes clean & growling vocals over twisting, churning riffs and intricate rhythms, a potent mix of pummeling doom, death & classic metal. The 9+ minute "From Ruin" closes out the album with its most melancholy dirge, a mournful, doom laden journey featuring waves of slow but massive riffs and soaring vocals.
Desolation is a must hear for any doom fan, a great third effort from Khemmis that is sure to help their ascension up the metal ladder.
Track Listing
1. Bloodletting 06:25
2. Isolation 04:48
3. Flesh To Nothing 07:32
4. The Seer 06:03
5. Maw Of Time 07:23
6. From Ruin 09:27
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
