Reviews
Heavy Metal "Return To Abandoned"
03/11/2011
The quality of pagan/ folk metal from Ukraine is usually very high indeed, a trend that one hopes continues with Return To Abandoned, the latest album from Khors. Featuring members of well regarded Ukrainian bands such as Astrofaes and Nokturnal Mortum, Khors play pagan/folk metal with lots of progressive touches, moments of melody, and the occasional nod towards speed.
Return To Abandoned is a typical release from Khors, the fourth in a steady series of usually solidly written and performed albums, although there have been some major lineup changes since Mysticism, Khors’ most recent full-length album from 2008. First and foremost, the musicianship from new guitarists Jurgis, who also handles the rough vocals, and Warth is excellent with lots of clean riffs and well done acoustic guitar touches sprinkled throughout.
Return To Abandoned employs a mainly mid-paced tempo, but there are a few speedier moments here and there, complemented by the rhythm section of bassist Khorus and drummer Khoath. Progressive touches arrive with lots of guitar melodies, the aforementioned acoustical pieces, and lightly used keyboards. For the most part, the songwriting is well done as the songs hold your interest.
And, yet, something is lacking with Return To Abandoned. All of the necessary elements for a successful album are present, but a necessary touch of ferocity (brutality is not quite the correct word) seems to be absent. Songs are written and performed in a perfunctory manner, almost as if Khors know exactly what they have to do to deliver an album that falls squarely within the pagan/ folk genre of metal.
While doing so, however, Khors seem to have forgotten about the emphasis and ferocious punch necessary to push Return To Abandoned to the top of the heap. I can’t help but compare it to similar releases from similar bands such as Nokturnal Mortum and Moonsorrow, bands that are more successful in this genre in large part due to, I suspect, an almost tangible feel of primal ferocity.
I come away somewhat disappointed with Return To Abandoned, a feeling that I’ve had with prior releases from Khors. In short, I just want something fiercer from this band, something that has just not yet been delivered.
Return To Abandoned is a typical release from Khors, the fourth in a steady series of usually solidly written and performed albums, although there have been some major lineup changes since Mysticism, Khors’ most recent full-length album from 2008. First and foremost, the musicianship from new guitarists Jurgis, who also handles the rough vocals, and Warth is excellent with lots of clean riffs and well done acoustic guitar touches sprinkled throughout.
Return To Abandoned employs a mainly mid-paced tempo, but there are a few speedier moments here and there, complemented by the rhythm section of bassist Khorus and drummer Khoath. Progressive touches arrive with lots of guitar melodies, the aforementioned acoustical pieces, and lightly used keyboards. For the most part, the songwriting is well done as the songs hold your interest.
And, yet, something is lacking with Return To Abandoned. All of the necessary elements for a successful album are present, but a necessary touch of ferocity (brutality is not quite the correct word) seems to be absent. Songs are written and performed in a perfunctory manner, almost as if Khors know exactly what they have to do to deliver an album that falls squarely within the pagan/ folk genre of metal.
While doing so, however, Khors seem to have forgotten about the emphasis and ferocious punch necessary to push Return To Abandoned to the top of the heap. I can’t help but compare it to similar releases from similar bands such as Nokturnal Mortum and Moonsorrow, bands that are more successful in this genre in large part due to, I suspect, an almost tangible feel of primal ferocity.
I come away somewhat disappointed with Return To Abandoned, a feeling that I’ve had with prior releases from Khors. In short, I just want something fiercer from this band, something that has just not yet been delivered.