Boy how time flies...four years have gone by pretty quickly since we've last heard from US black metal act Krieg, but they have finally crept up from the depths of hell with their seventh release, titled Transient, for Candlelight Records. Featuring 11 tracks of ravaged black metal goodness, Imperial (real name Neill Jameson) unleashes his tortured, violent vocal wailing over furious riffs from A. Poole & D. Zdanavage, and the manic rhythm team of bassist D. Sykes & drummer J. Dost. "Circling in the Drain" is a very effective number, as pummeling riffs suffocate the listener, allowing Imperial to deliver ghastly vocals that render you completely helpless. Some intriguing industrial elements add a unique touch to this powerful song. "Return Fire" is as brutal as black metal gets, and the more atmospheric, doom laden "To Speak with Ghosts" slows things down, as the band shows off a different side of their repertoire. However, my vote for favorite track goes to "Winter", a ragged, jagged avalanche of freezing cold riffs and tortured vocals that will remind any genre fan of some of the great classic Norwegian black metal acts. The back end of the CD contains some real gems that let Krieg display their more melodic side, as tunes such as ""Ruin Our Lives", "Walk With Them Unnoticed", and especially "Home" offer even more subtle textures and dense instrumentation."Gospel Hand" even approaches some of the more progressive elements of Enslaved, which is a nice touch.
Plenty of variety to be found here on Transient, as Krieg incorporate classic Scandinavian black metal influences into their already solid style.US black metal is alive and well folks.
Track Listing
01 Order of the Solitary Road
02 Circling the Drain
03 Return Fire
04 To Speak with Ghosts
05 Atlas with a Broken Arm
06 Time
07 Winter
08 Walk with Them Unnoticed
09 Ruin Our Lives
10 Home
11 Gospel Hand
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