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Kongh: Sole creation
25/03/13 || gk
Over the course of 2 full lengths and 2 splits, Sweden’s Kongh managed to capture my attention in the densely populated world of sludge metal. The band specialized in slow, crushing riffs, an immense sound and got better with every release.
Come 2013, Kongh released their third and latest full length, “Sole creation” and this is the start of something new for the band. There’s energy on display right through these 4 songs and 40 odd minutes and the songs sound fresh and vital. On album opener and title track Sole creation the opening riffs come crashing out and build in momentum with an urgent fervour that is a bit new for the band. The vocals alternate between growls, powerful cleans and a slight nod to Layne Staley as the song weaves its way through 10 minutes of crushing doom riffs, a chuggy verse section and some softer, more delicate parts. It’s a great opener and perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the album.
“Tamed brute” lurches out of the gates with a heavy opening riff and settles into a mid-paced stride that is heavy but also grooves. The strong clean vocals lift the song and help give it character as it progresses. The portals starts fuzzed out and sludgy but along the way morphs into majestic doom metal and at 3:50 David Johansson hits a superb vocal melody that is powerful and memorable. “Skymning” starts soft and melodic and meanders nicely as it slowly builds an atmosphere that is heavy and with the vocals, also kind of uplifting. It’s a great finish to the album and Johansson’s vocals deserve a special mention.
The duo of David Johansson and Tomas Salonen has outdone themselves here. Kongh has moved on from their early influences and now incorporate touches of progressive and psychedelic music to their sludge doom. Also, the days of slow burn builds seem almost gone with only “Skymning” really showing the old Kongh and their propensity for slow and measured build ups. The other 3 song rage with an urgent intensity that is new and impressive. Above all, it’s the song writing that makes “Sole creation” a stand out. Every one of the 4 songs on the album works and there really isn’t a dull moment.
Fans of sludge and doom will find plenty to like here and while I had high expectations to begin with, the band has pretty much surpassed them. Kongh has well and truly progressed from their roots and have found their own distinct voice. “Sole creation” is easily the best thing Kongh has done so far and the music deserves a listen.
- Information
- Released: 2013
- Label: Agonia Records
- Website: Kongh Facebook
- Band
- David Johansson: vocals, guitar, bass
- Tomas Salonen: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. Sole Creation
- 02. Tamed Brute
- 03. The Portals
- 04. Skymning
