CHEMISTRY… defined as the identification of substances which matter is composed. With that in mind, when discussing KHEMMIS’try, the band has made a name and legacy for themselves in a short period of time by displaying proudly what they’re made of.
Often lumped into the “DOOM” category, the BFG they bring to the table is variety with other styles like death metal, stoner rock, and sludge. Many bands take a few years and releases to develop this kind of seamless breadth of soundscapes but remarkable Khemmis had the entire toolbelt right from their 2015 debut record “Absolution.”
Despite being fully formed seemingly from the very beginning, listening back to “Absolution” now ten years later you can hear how much more raw and hungry the production and vocals are.
Vocally the album is primarily cleanly sung with an impressive level of skill that really capture some of the more epic soaring moments the phenomenal guitar harmonies bring to the forefront. These vocals and leads have a very clean quality to them with little effects and just pure performance juxtaposed with a pounding rhythm section that ignores the lo-fi buzz typical for their peers. The rhythm section is not to be outdone here with drums as intricate and busy as the guitars without losing the structure of the groove.
The addition of harsh vocals for heavier and more punishing passages gives the band an edge as well and are tastefully done throughout. These are all hallmarks of the Khemmis sound today but it’s incredible to see that they were already always present right at the beginning of their journey up the stone(d) mountain.
Each song presented on this debut collection stands on its own, but if there is a standout here it’s the grand finale of “The Bereaved.” RIFFS!!! The main lick lip locks you in a kiss of death while a delicate lead lays you to rest. It’s sometimes hard for a casual metal fan to stay interested in a nine-minute opus but Khemmis are such skilled songwriters that it never feels trite or boring. It’s no surprise that this track is a mainstay in the setlist to this day.
For vinyl fans, getting to hear this unfiltered version of the band is a real treat for the ears but do not forget about the feast for the eyes – the album artwork for “Absolution” is AMAZING and looks even more killer as a full-size LP in your hands or on your mantle. Artist Sam Turner who the band continues to collaborate with to this day knows how to perfectly encapsulate the imagery that these riffs of rock and ruin naturally conjure up.
It’s a testament to a band when their sound isn’t one dimensional and not just for purists of one style. Doom, death metal, or thrash – call it whatever you want but with “Absolution” Khemmis does it all: rocks, stones, and stays with you long after hits from the bong.
-Ryan Rainbro
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