Keep Of Kalessin "Armada" (Candlelight)
By Brian Anderson
Thursday. May 25, 1:48 PM
Not only setting a new standard, but completely and utterly crushing it.

Although Keep Of Kalessin have two previous releases for Italian label Avantgarde Music, this is the band’s first Stateside showing… and it is well worth the wait. Anchored by founding guitarist Obsidian C., who is known for his work with Satyricon, Keep Of Kalessin intelligently blend elements from all realms of metal while keeping the black metal style intact. Instead of simply mass manufacturing another Mayhem or Satyricon, they have molded their own sound.

Take the eerie aspects of follow Norwegian black metallers Khold, the power of Satyricon minus the major label leanings, and the intricacy of Dimmu Borgir / Cradle Of Filth without the symphonic accompaniment, and you’ve got Armada. Vocalist Thebon also helps with the flow by not restricting himself to the same vocal patterns. His use of growls, gruff yells, and harmonic singing on the likes of “The Black Uncharted” keeps the album flowing along with the powerful riffs that have as much diversity as the vocals. Keep Of Kalessin have not only set a new standard for black metal, they have completely and utterly crushed it. Simply put, Armada kills!
www.kalessin.no
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

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Brian Anderson

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