DEATHSPELL OMEGA — Kénôse (review)

EP · 2005 · Black Metal

4.5/5 · 2010-08-16
UMUR

Kénôse is an EP release by French experimental black metal act Deathspell Omega. The total playing time is 36:19 minutes distributed over 3 long tracks called I, II and III. While the band´s early releases don´t interest me much with their old school black metal aesthetics, my interest in Deathspell Omega was really ignited with the release of the Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice album from 2004. That album show an adventurous and experimental approach to black metal that I really appreciate.

The music on Kénôse futher expand upon the experimental approach to songwriting and playing that was initiated on Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice. While the atmosphere on the EP still reeks of old school black metal aesthetics, the music that Deathspell Omega have composed for this EP goes far beyond what you usually associate with that style. While the band would probably cringe if they read this, I´ll risk my neck and call the music on Kénôse progressive in the true sense of the word. Deathspell Omega twist the conventions and bring in elements from other genres to create a very unique and experimental form of black metal. While there are loads of fierce blasting parts and raspy vocals in the songs, there are as many unconventional elements in the music such as twisted and adventurous guitar riffs, tempo and what sounds like time signature changes too, industrial elements and some atmospheric dreamy sections. The EP even starts with what I would characterize as a couple of minutes of post metal. It almost sounds like Deathspell Omega invited Neurosis into the studio to compose and play the first couple of minutes. It works wonders IMO. The air is thick with harsh and dark atmosphere and with the twists and turns in the songs I´m kept on my toes at all times. Just the way I like my music. The three songs are very long ranging from 9 to almost 16 minutes which means that the songs are allowed to develop and change direction several times. There´s not a second on this EP that´s not entertaining.

The production needs a special mention here as it really works well and gives the music even more character. While everything is perfect in the mix and there´s absolutely nothing lo-fi about the sound, it´s still organic and creates the right atmosphere for the songs. It´s not one of those modern digital productions with triggered drums which by the way would probably have ruined music like this.

Kénôse is not an easy listening EP and I know it took me many listens to fully grasp the band´s vision with the music. But if you enjoy demanding ( progressive) music that doesn´t sacrifice power and dark atmosphere for technical playing or awkward shifts in musical style and direction, Kénôse could be your poison. Don´t get me wrong here though, because the playing on Kénôse certainly is technical and there are shift in musical direction on the EP too as mentioned earlier, but it works so well and natural and never feels forced that it´s possible that you won´t even notice. An achivement like this deserves at least a 4.5 star rating from me. I have the deepest respect for artists who are able to make experiments like this and make it work.