Search - Deathspell Omega :: Kenose

The Future of Black Metal

Christopher Krause | Long Island, New York | 10/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Deathspell Omega is one part Mayhem and one part Blut Aus Nord - with the violent, hateful, satanic and brutal grinding of Mayhem and the mesmorizing and suffocating soundscapes of Blut Aus Nord. In Deathspell Omega you find the marriage of these two styles of black metal to create a unique and innovative style that is evolving the genre forward into new and unexplored territory.



I suspect that in the future Deathspell Omega's unique fusion of classical era black metal brutality with avantgarde cross-genre influences (epitomized in bands like Blut Aus Nord and Diabolical Masquerade) will become the new standard for any respectable black metal band - and will be imitated much in the same fashion Burzum or Mayhem was in the mid 90s. Deathspell's performance in Kenose is not pretentious or unintentionally hilarious as was the case with some of the classical era black metal founders but has a mature, intimidating and threatening sound.



The lyrics are profoundly philosophical and focus on discussions of metaphysical satanism and nihilism. As with any Deathspell Omega album some research will be neccesary to fully appreciate the album's message (a notable portion of which is quotes from historical literature and puzzling and cryptic sayings in latin, german and french) but the lyrical complexity further adds to the artistic value of the album. Deathspell Omega doesn't waste time describing cliche depictions of gore, violence and tired pseudosatanic regurgitations (most notably represented in some classical black metal bands attempting to return to the forefront of the scene - as was made apparent in Mayhem's 2004 release Chimera) but instead writes intelligently, trusting in the abilities of the listener to draw the final conclusion on the nature of absolutism and divine hypocrisy.



Technically speaking there is few bands which perform as flawlessly and impressively as Deathspell Omega. While in their earlier 'Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice' it was obvious that the band may have been struggling with incorporating avantgarde elements into their traditionally brutal sound, the synthesis of these forms is complete and perfect in Kenose. Deathspell Omega's unique form of storytelling is illustrated with realism through entrancing (and at times vicious) guitar work, toxic, bassy and demonic vocals and precise, mechanical drum work made explosive by deep and looming bass segments, mystifiying and thought provoking doomy interludes and a overwhelming sense of urgency, misanthropy and frustration made apparent in masterful instrumental sections. Kenose is essentially a series of brutal and misanthropic Mayhem inspired sections connected by more mellow, Blut Aus Nord reminiscent interludes. When you think its OK to finally rest your heart rate during one of the interludes, Deathspell Omega once more unleashes into a face melting and vicious attack.



As is the case with fellow frenchmen Blut Aus Nord you will notice some industrial and doom influences - but unlike Blut Aus Nord which slows their music down considerably to achieve their goal, Deathspell surges forward with the unfettered brutality of a very deathy and violent Mayhem. A must buy for all serious metal fans, Kenose is the future of black metal."

One for the ages

phobos | Berkeley, CA United States | 09/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I heard this album, my interest in black metal was restricted to Enslaved, Ved Buens Ende, and other left-field experimenters like Ulver that aren't even really black metal anymore. In other words, I wasn't a real black metal fan--but this album changed all that. It may be the best metal album I've heard in years. It is one of the most sinister albums in my collection, with some of the most eerie and best artwork I've seen. It stays true to the black metal ethic (as far as I can tell, not being having been a black metal fan for very long), while going in all sorts of new directions. Their lyrics are thought-provoking and very well done. Whether or not you agree with what the they say, you have to acknowledge that these guys are true artists at what they do. Despite the ultra-orthodox lyrics, the music is anything but conventional. The slow opening dirge of the first song says it all-- one of my favorite moments in metal. So clean and beautiful, yet so grim and deep. There are quite a few moments on here that sound like Ved Buens Ende (I think they actually borrowed quite a bit from them, but who cares), with weird chords and strange clean melodies. These moments are mixed with incredibly fast and technical black metal and some cool doomy passages. The vocals are a little less screechy than most black metal, almost like death metal growls. Anybody into black metal obviously needs this, but I think it would also appeal to anybody interested in complex and intelligent metal. This is one of those rare metal albums that has it all."

Dark, Disturbing, Excellent.

A Critical Reader | 03/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kenose is Deathspell Omega's follow-up to their album Si Monvmentvm Reqvires, Circvmspice. Kenose is only three tracks and is 36 minutes long. These were some of the best 36 minutes of my life. This album is dark, deep and has a haunting feel to it. Kenose is great in every aspect, from lyrics to album artwork.



The lyrics sound like a thesis paper. They are written so well and press the listener to draw their own conclusions from the lyrics. The lyrics are thought-triggering and intelligent. One wonderful thing about Kenose is that it includes phrases in Latin, German, French and English. This use of different tongues shows off Deathspell's intelligence and works wonderfully on the album. Although Kenose mixes all of these different elements together, the album flows perfectly and flawlessly. Overall, the lyrics are done wonderfully and are quite intelligent.



Now, we go on to the music. The bass, guitars and vocals are excellent. They all just flow in this unstoppable wave of awe-inspiring black metal. I must say, the vocals may the best part of the whole album. I believe Deathspell Omega's vocalist's name is Mikko. He has the perfect voice for black metal. His voice sounds so dark and fits in perfectly with the guitar and bass work. Another wonderful thing about this album is the great pace of it. Kenose I starts off slow and then the musical chaos begins. Kenose II continues this chaos and leads into Kenose III which, has a part in which the music slows down and calms. This calm is just the calm before the storm. The fury begins after this calm and Kenose ends on a high note. The music is wonderful, entrancing and very well put together.



Another thing I would like to discuss is the album artwork. It's very creepy and has the same haunting feel as the music has. It seems abstract and requires the listener to interpret what it means by themselves. I love music that makes you think about its' every aspect, as Kenose does. All thinkers will love this artwork. I have to give it to Deathspell, they make artwork that really goes along with their music.



Overall, I think Kenose is one of the greatest albums I've ever heard. You just don't listen to this album; you FEEL it and EXPERIENCE it. This album is a journey to dark lands and ideals. Everything on this album just flows together so well and sounds so great. I really have nothing bad to say about it, except I wish it were longer. It's so great but, so short. Oh well, it's amazing as is. If you read this review and feel interested, (which I hope you do) you should buy this album. Don't let this one slip by you. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Kenose is awe-inducing black metal!

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