### Konkeror: The abysmal horizons

#### 23/01/13 || gk

“The abysmal horizons” is the debut album from Konkeror, a death metal quartet formed in 2011 by a bunch of veterans of the scene in Detroit. What we have here is basically some very good straight forward death metal that mixes the old school with the new and isn’t afraid to get both technical and melodic.

Album opener, I, monolithic sets the tone nicely with its ominous opening followed by a vaguely eastern sounding guitar line and the full on blasting of the main riff which is heavy but also catchy. By the time the vocalist rasps out “I, monolithic” I was pretty hooked but the twin lead section directly after is pretty solid too. The band does a great job of mixing the rules of old school death metal song writing with a polished and modern production. However, what really makes these songs work is the riffs which are catchy and a songwriting style that places emphasis on the actual song rather than simply blasting away in the name of all things brutal. “Towers” has a terrific main riff but the song really comes alive in the middle part with its very nicely done twin harmonies and guitar solo section. Elsewhere on the album, Creator/ Destroyer displays a heavier side to the band as the jagged, discordant riffs create an atmosphere that is quite captivating. “Usurpers of the primal womb” starts in classic thrash fashion but quickly morphs into a raging beast of a song. Album closer …and the cosms flow eternal finishes things off in brutal but fitting fashion.

Vocalist/ bassist Jeff Beuchamp turns in one hell of a performance. He growls, rasps and shrieks his way through the 8 songs here and his vocal lines often help in making the songs memorable. Guitarists Erik Zwicker and Jake Plater can riff, groove, solo, write songs and turn in an impressive performance while drummer Toby Dennis’ constant blast beat attack is a rush but he can also groove when the situation demands it.

I guess after all that praise I have to say that the band’s influences are pretty clearly identifiable. Take Symbolic and Domination along with a smattering of Nile and modern Behemoth and you’re pretty close to Konkeror’s sound on “The abysmal horizons”. However, that is no bad thing and while the band may not fully have their own identity yet, this debut album gives me hope that they soon will.

“The abysmal horizons” was one of the more promising debuts of 2012 and if you like death metal at all, then give Konkeror a chance. This band deserves whatever recognition they can get.

- Information
- Released: 2012
- Label: Self-released
- Website: www.konkeror.com
- Band
- Jeff Beuchamp: vocals, bass
- Erik Zwicker: guitars
- Jake Plater: guitars
- Toby Dennis: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. I, Monolithic
- 02. Towers
- 03. Incantations
- 04. Beyond the Abysmal Horizons
- 05. Creator/ Destroyer
- 06. Usurpers of the Primal Womb
- 07. The Pillars of Creation
- 08. …And the Cosms Flow Eternal