Search - Kalmah :: Swamplord

Amazing Debut CD.

Sunshine the Werewolf | Canada | 01/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"KALMAH - Swamplord

-

I got a hold of Swamplord and Swampsong... I figured I start at the beginning and listen and review their Debut first.

First things first, I should point out this does not sound like a debut... Their sound is familiar enough to be comfortable, but actually quite unique in its overall delivery. From a musicianship standpoint they are also masters of their craft. The dual guitar work is fantastic, (It is because of their Guitar's sound they get the COB comparisons) the bass is rumbling, yet audible, and provides a great wall of sound for the other instruments. Drumming is more then competent, by Melo-Death standards (Which as you know is compliment) The aura creating Keyboard work is top notch in the genre, sounding less cheesy than their Finish counterparts COB and more atmospheric like newer Dark Tranquility. Vocally it is boarder line Black-Metal with touches of the traditional Gothenburg sound. (Thomas Lindberg style)

These guys may be getting the COB comparisons but truth is I like this better. They take the best elements of that band and combine it with some harder edge stuff similar to Dark Tranquility or At the Gates.

Not to mention this is the best Melodic Death Debut, I've heard since Arsis' debut. (A Celebration of Guilt.) The only real down side, as with Arsis' debut was that it was a bit tedious to listen to start to finish. However, your patience is easily rewarded by the last 3 tracks... As they close their album with a bigger bang than it opened.

Favorite Songs: Evil in You, Hades, and Using the Word.

-4 Stars.





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...And Thus, The Music Has Yet To Be Heard

OzzyApu | Seattle, WA | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow...now if you want unheard, it's right here, waiting to be heard.

I have known of Kalmah's existence since like last year, but it didn't appeal to me because of the topics of albums (swamps). Kiddies, never judge a book (CD) by it's cover. This is one of the grandest, unheard melodic death from Scandinavia that you will enjoy just as much as Children of Bodom (that is...if you enjoy them).



When I first heard the vocalist, my ears thought it was a cross between Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom) and Varg Vikernes (Burzum/Mayhem), although leaning more towards Alexi's side. It also took a few minutes to sink in, but it was worth it and my satisfaction was set.



Kind of a stinker that these guys are still on the newish scale (to me, anything released from 2001-present is new or new-ish). Again the topics and covers might throw you off but on the disc is some of the best guitar playing you will ever hear across the Atlantic (sorry, John Petrucci and Dimebag Darrel are ours, hahaha!) I don't remember who plays the guitars in Kalmah but they are damn good. Signed on the almost unknown to America, Spikefarm, the production isn't anything to complain about, as all the sounds produced by this 5-piece are clearly heard and sound pretty fresh.



Overall the entire debut fits well with the ears, and 3 of my favorites (favorites = whole album basically) are "Whitering Away", "Heritance Of Berija", and "Hades". The latter, "Hades", has this tune that I have heard somewhere in like some Indian (India) film during like very famous/particular song sequence that was popular for years worldwide or something. I dunno it sounds really familiar, but Kalmah does it better.



Kalmah apparently don't care if they sell millions of records, make it on TV, or on the Billboard 200, which about 95% of whats on it is utter sh*t. Hey, we love em for it! Thank God they haven't broken up. Give these guys the credit they deserve, because their debut CD has some of the best music that you have yet to pay homage too. Enjoy..."

Personal Favorite

DK | Chicago | 06/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow-I recently got all four Kalmah albums- and after listening to them all over and over this one is by far my favorite. Their sound changes from album to album-especially the solo's and the vocals. I personally prefer this album over their other three because I think it is the most original. Dont get me wrong- I love their other three (but this one is just special)."