Khors

Khors – Wisdom of Centuries
Candlelight records, Sept 11 2012

I will admit right out front that I had never heard of Khors before today. I also have been listening to more death/black metal recently so I think I know what to expect here. Khors have been around for 8 years or so and this is their 5^th full length release. That’s some kind of output.  I do not know what their earlier albums sounded like but I really dig this one. Although classified as Black Metal it’s very melodic and atmospheric. More like a Doom/Death metal album. The music is very accessible and the vocals although rough/harsh area bit back in the mix and actually quite good.

The album opens with a short instrumental track and follows with a 9+ minute mid-tempo track “Black Forest’s Flaming Eyes”. Of the 8 tracks on the album, half are instrumentals, which give this album a trippy feel to it. “The Last Leaves” follows and is much more in the vein of Black Metal but still very melodic. The guitar riff on this track should be patented. Two more short instrumentals follow. The title track “Wisdom of Centuries” is the heaviest track on the album. It starts slowly with a drum intro, then bass and guitar, and then some whispered vocals slowly building until it hits you in the nose. As you regain your senses you hear a crow off in the distance and whispers. Then, smack, again. Holy fuckin Shit!! Can I say Holy Fuckin Shit? I just did. Twice!! “Only Time Will Take It Away” is the last track with vocals. It starts out really heavy, and then goes mellow, then really heavy again with some nice sounding keyboards throughout. The album ends on another short instrumental “Twilight” and takes us home safe but not sound.

The keyboards, piano and effects all contribute to the sound of Khors. The production is almost perfect. I can hear everything, even the bass. As mentioned above the vocals are rough/harsh but sound really good and fit well with the music. There are several excellent riffs, on the only 4 non-instrumental tracks. The drums are heavy and fast when needed. The keys added atmosphere to every track especially the instrumental tracks.

Overall, Wisdom of Centuries by Khors was not at all what I expected in the best way possible. The only real complaint I have is the length of the album at 38 minutes was a bit too short. But with 4 previous releases and a DVD it is time for me to go on the hunt. I loved this album and recommend it to all metalheads.

Indie Horror News Rating:
(4.5 out of 5 skulls!)

HAIL!!!

Dougie666