Review of Kaamos - Lucifer Rising

Compared to the likes of Grotesque and Vomitory, Sweden's Kaamos feature members of Serpent Obscene and ex-members of Repugnant, A Mind Confused, and Revokation. Their 2002 release earned a spot on the playlist of most reviewers and death metal enthusiasts alike, while I'm positive this new record will only cement the band in their well-deserved role of skilled purveyors of traditional Swedish death.

Producing a thrashy wall of thick rhythms, intelligent and quickly played solos, and guttural growls, Kaamos have returned again with the same goal - to revitalize the classic Swedish death metal sound by giving it a slightly different angle. Still mistakable as a 90's act, Lucifer Rising is an intelligent and well-done tribute to the revolutionary bands of that timeframe. One clear change from the band's prior release is the upped production, giving the drums a fuller but almost too prominent sound, although it helps delivery the band's crushing old-school approach. On the whole, it's a great and densely packed album that'll be well received by nearly anyone who hears it. But as with everything, there are parts that stand out more than others, for better or for worse. With the perfect length of 3:19, the thrashy and thick detuned riffs of "Gnosticon" prove the song to be nothing less than outstanding. Setting itself apart and taking a clue from the Swedish death metal legends by inserting a fuzzed out lead that corresponds brilliantly with the accompanying rhythm work, they prevent their familiar sound from becoming tiresome. "Dark Void" begins as a beat driven throwback, but slows down much in the same ominous way you'd hear on an Entombed release, before going back to the charged and aggressive material. It's mildly disappointing, as they could've built up that transition a little better and ended the song on a really strong note, and while it isn't bad, it's lacking. With an infectious climbing riff, "Sacrament Reversion" stands out among the rest due to the ingenious songwriting. It isn't written like a lot of metal is, randomly thrown together - there's recognizable continuity to the song merged with a no-nonsense brutal attack and blasting bridge which gives perfect segue to that initial riff. The final track "Ascent", is more of my speed - slow and elephantine, with a bending riff and tasteful lead guitar underneath, that isn't too distracting. The album would've been more of my tastes, personally, if they featured a few more of these passages which they prove they're excellent at.

Although overall a very competent album, Lucifer Rising is too by the books for me. Despite how much I adore the sounds of Grave and Dismember, I tend to want to go back and just listen to those albums when I hear bands like Kaamos. They're effective and talented in what they do, undeniably. Fans of Bloodbath, Ribspreader, and all of the aforementioned bands should take notice and lend an ear to one of the better up and coming bands playing this style.

Release Details

Kaamos

Lucifer Rising

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