Reviews
Gaspetc "Mysticism"
04/10/2009
KHORS Mysticism Paragon
Mellow isn't a term I use much to describe black metal, but in the case of Khor's most recent release, Mysticism, I think it kinda fits. Combining black metal feeling with mellower parts and some folky flavor, Khor creates an atmosphere that exudes darkness.
After an intro track, "Raven's Dance" dims the lights with it's massively dark and heavy opening riff. Crushing would be a good way to describe it, I think. Aside from the nasty guitar riff here, the vocals are also deep and dark, kinda of a death-doom growl with a slight black metal quality to them. "Milk Of Heavens" changes things a bit, as it is a synth laden track with acoustic guitars and whispered vocals — this track pretty much personifies darkness if you ask me. Listen to this one in a dark room and you might be looking over your shoulder in fear at what is approaching. While I would pick "In the Cold Embrace of Mist" as my favorite track here, the title track gives it a run for those honors.
Also included on the disc is a live video of the band performing the intro track and "Raven's Dance" at a show in their native Ukraine. A nice little extra if you ask me.
Although it straddles many styles, this disc is likely to appeal to fans of black metal, doom, and pagan metal pretty much equally. It may not end up being a favorite for everyone, but it is a pretty dark and emcompassing collection of songs.
Goz
Mellow isn't a term I use much to describe black metal, but in the case of Khor's most recent release, Mysticism, I think it kinda fits. Combining black metal feeling with mellower parts and some folky flavor, Khor creates an atmosphere that exudes darkness.
After an intro track, "Raven's Dance" dims the lights with it's massively dark and heavy opening riff. Crushing would be a good way to describe it, I think. Aside from the nasty guitar riff here, the vocals are also deep and dark, kinda of a death-doom growl with a slight black metal quality to them. "Milk Of Heavens" changes things a bit, as it is a synth laden track with acoustic guitars and whispered vocals — this track pretty much personifies darkness if you ask me. Listen to this one in a dark room and you might be looking over your shoulder in fear at what is approaching. While I would pick "In the Cold Embrace of Mist" as my favorite track here, the title track gives it a run for those honors.
Also included on the disc is a live video of the band performing the intro track and "Raven's Dance" at a show in their native Ukraine. A nice little extra if you ask me.
Although it straddles many styles, this disc is likely to appeal to fans of black metal, doom, and pagan metal pretty much equally. It may not end up being a favorite for everyone, but it is a pretty dark and emcompassing collection of songs.
Goz