The Pitch: The debut album from Icelandic progressive black metal group Kaleikr (members of Draugsol) via Debemur Morti Productions. FFO: Ur Draugr, Insomnium, Enslaved
What I Like: Heart Of Lead is the perfect album for those out there who like a wide variety of progressive music. It's a stylistic cross-section of some of my favorite groups; recalling everything from Insomnium's Winter's Gate to Ur Draugr's With Hunger Undying. The opening riff of "The Descent " even has a bit of a Tool or mid-career Enslaved vibe ("RUUN" anyone?). These more melodic passages and the string backdrops are sure to draw in plenty of casual listeners, but these accessible portions are perfectly offset by more complex and challenging material.
"Internal Contradiction" is a great example of everything that Kaleikr has to offer. Early on, the ominous, coiling guitars and technical drumming had me reflecting on Deathspell Omega; that is until we get the undeniably Opethian transition around 2:45. This leads to a more melodeath and folk-infused vibe for the duration of the song that is simply breathtaking. And despite these stark shifts in aesthetic and atmosphere, the transitions are as smooth as Devin Townsend's head. Regardless of the approach at any given moment, Maximilian Klimko's powerful, echoing death growls form the perfect compliment, falling somewhere between Fallujah's Alex Hoffman and Åkerfeldt himself. Oh, did I mention that all of this is the work of only two men? Max handles arranging, guitars, bass, and vocals while Kjartan Harðarson is responsible for the stellar drumming and other percussion.
Critiques: This is a good'un. I can't really think of anything negative to say about it. If I'm nitpicking, "Beheld At Sunrise" is my least favorite track (killer drum intro and orchestration aside), but that's like being last place in a competition between gold medal winning Olympians.
The Verdict: Heart Of Lead, at the time of listening, is my first big noteworthy album of 2019. I'll be tentatively putting this one aside to consider come July for our first half of the year list. Kaleikr are an incredibly talented duo on all fronts, and I can't wait to hear more. Buy this album.
Flight's Fav's: Of Unbearable Longing, Internal Contradiction, Neurodelirium
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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