Review of Khold - Krek

This is probably my favorite black metal release of the year, and it’s unquestionably the catchiest; Khold’s material, whether it be driving and up-tempo or lurching and seasick, manages to pummel the listener in a manner not usually possible in the genre that is being performed. If you dislike black metal, either because you fear anemic production or because you dislike the musical style, I would strongly encourage you to check this release out. Krek is more rhythmically tight than a lot of death metal I’ve heard, and Khold’s bassist is utterly stunning. His lines weave around the guitar work and in some ways eclipse the latter in importance. The extremely deft and tasteful drumming is also commendable. The fellow behind the kit manages to enhance the plodding, syncopated feel of the album with his varied patterns. Though Krek is not without its faster blasting, the band generally lapses back into the slower-paced material, which I find preferable. They aren’t the first to play a slower style of black metal, but they are quite unique, and what separates them from a band like, say, Darkthrone, is the fact that they are so tight. There is absolutely no sloppiness present on this record. It doesn’t have a raw feel. Instead, it sounds like calculated, well-rehearsed, and well-written music.

Ah, the songwriting... All of the tracks on this release are reasonably short and digestible, but they in no way conform to the traditional rules of song composition. Though choruses and reoccurring riffs do pop up, the general feel is more organic. I feel as though Khold took a loose, flowing approach with this material, and as a result, the transitions are smooth and nothing sounds out of place. As noted, the band possesses a level of technical competence not always found in the genre, and the rhythm section really holds this album together. The vocals are not too unique but they are performed in an enjoyable manner, and the frontman sometimes rolls his r’s in an amusing fashion, which is certainly a plus. As I have also already mentioned, the production is punchy and above-average, and it sounds nothing like the “raw” recordings that often scare off newcomers to the genre.

Buy this record. There’s something for you here whether you are a diehard black metaller, a newbie, or even somebody who dislikes the genre. Krek is a stellar performance.

Release Details

Khold

Krek

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