The Pitch: Symphonic and melodic death metal from Montreal, Québec's Karkaos. Featuring guest collaborations from Lindsay Schoolcraft (Cradle of Filth) and Morgan Lander (Kittie). FFO The Autist, Arch Enemy, Oracles
What I Like: Children Of The Void has lots of really great moments. Largely thanks to the huge production and epic symphonic elements, songs like "Kollossos" really live up to their names. Viky Boyer brings her A-game with some very Angela Gossow-ish melodeath growls and pretty strong cleans as well. I would actaully welcome more of the former, as she really does have some power behind these howls. So... strong vocals, killer use of synth by Sebastien Belanger...but the guitars don't slouch either. Samael and Vincent not only crank out serious hooks, but also righteous solos as on the title track. Think Mors Principium Est. Round this all out with Justine's energetic drumming and the album becomes a serious headbanging, lighter-raising experience.
What I Don't Like: My most consistent complaint across Children Of The Void is how the death metal and traditional symphonic metal portions are placed. Everything feels just a little too predictable; as if the writing process was "Okay, death metal part goes here...yeah that's enough of that. Now we need some clean singing." Copy, paste, repeat. As a result the transitions often feel forced. My other concern lies in some of the lyrics. I am really sick of hearing cliches like "we reap what we sow." Writing choices like this take away from otherwise enjoyable tracks like "Where Mushrooms Grow" (questionable title too, imo).
The Verdict: Children Of The Void, taken as a whole, is a solid album with plenty of horns-to-the-sky crescendos. I am certain that this material will only be better live, and I'm excited for Karkaos in terms of their clear talent. However I would like to see them more cleanly navigate between styles and challenge themselves in writing of lyrics. Get it today.
Flight's Fav's: Kolossos, Children Of The Void, Tyrants