Karmakanic
Entering the Spectra
5.7
Now this was interesting. Unfortunately, interesting does not automatically mean good in the tome of Wrathchild. Featuring Flower Kings bassist Jonas Reingold, Karmakanic is a very experimental progressive rock band. I say “rock” instead of metal because there is very little metal going on here. There’s no denying the mastery of Reingold on the bass, but the rest leaves much to be desired. What takes place here on Entering the Spectra is a blend of progressive rock and some freaky jazz fusion. Reingold is a virtuoso on the bass guitar, as is readily apparent throughout the album. Track 9, “Cello suite no 1 in G major”, is just that, but done on the bass guitar. Those of you familiar with classical music will recognize it, I sure did (although I can’t put my finger on the composer seeing as I am not THAT familiar with the classical realm). Sadly, that was the only track that really sparked my interest. The rest was rather annoying; I am not a fan of jazz. I don’t like the improvised-sounding bass twiddling around in the background or the whole experimental feel of it. As for the other instruments, there was nothing that really stood out; they all took a back seat to the bass. The singing is rather weak and annoying as well. The production is nice and clear, but what does it matter if I’m not too into the music, right?
I feel as if my opinion on this one is somewhat negligible since I am not a fan of light prog rock or jazz fusion. For fans of these genres, by all means pick up Entering the Spectra. If I found it bearable, then you will probably find it wonderful. However, for metal fans, I suggest steering clear of this, for the metal moments are few and far between. Final thought: Is their name a play on words? (i.e. car mechanic) Wrathchild’s Choice Cut: Cello suite no 1 in G major – a nice one minute bass solo (albeit non-metal)
