Khemmis – Deceiver

 

 

Khemmis – Deceiver
Nuclear Blast – 2021
Metal, Doom, Black, Sludge
Rated: ***

It arrived with a bang! But I guess Khemmis always does! The new album Deceiver jumped to the Seventh spot of the November Doom Charts and Tony van Dorston from the wicked Fast 'n Bulbous wrote: “Their twin guitar showcases are on point, and the vocal melodies and harmonies are stickier than ever. I’m not really a fan of Ben Hutcherson’s harsh screams, but much like peak early 00’s era Opeth, it’s a necessary evil that does provide useful variety and contrast.” And I could not agree more! It is the one thing that sort of deters me from completely falling head over heels in love with Khemmis. Cause the classic metal take on doom is wholesome and full of life, there is hope here and there is light. And it is an extra step towards the epic side of metal that Khemmis is slowly drifting towards. Always touching sludge and using the exact amount of prog to get the job done. Could they’ve done more? Perhaps, but perhaps, we could just enjoy their take on this classic story of deception and especially enjoy those two stand out tracks: The Astral Road and Shroud of Lethe.

(Written by JK)

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