Saturday 23 February 2013

Inferno (XII) - Call of Kia - Review

Call of Kia cover art

Inferno (XII) is a Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal Band from Sweden

The members are:

Bob Ruben - Drums
Johann Göransson - Guitars
Martin Åstrand - Guitars
Lars Jönsson - Vocals, Guitars

Inferno (XII) is a new entity to myself. They released their debut album a couple of years back to acclaim within the Sludge/Stoner Metal community. I am honest to admit I missed the band first time round but not this time as their stunning 2nd album – Call Of Kia

A 60-minute opus of sublime psychedelic based Sludge/Stoner Metal riffage blended with an un-healthy dose of modern based Doom Metal.

We all know how the Swedes are the master of all things extreme metal especially Sludge/Stoner Metal Bands. Well Inferno (XII) is another band to add to the ever-growing list of great Sludge/Stoner Metal Bands to check out.

Title track – Call Of Kia – gets down to business right away in showing you what to expect. The 9:40 minute monster is driven by a machine gun like Sludge/Stoner Metal riff that will claim as you it’s next targets. This feels like a more lo-fi stripped back version of Mastodon at their creative best. Though Inferno (XII) still add their own vibe to proceedings. Mainly the doom based and unpolished vocals of ace vocalist Lars – who adds some creepy and eerie tension into the mix.

It is good that the band mix things up a bit through the entire album. Each song has a different vibe to each other. All full of sublime riffs for you to rock out to. Phantom Hold feels like a rediscovered lost 70s classic with a touch of Sabbath and Vitus given a modern day makeover. Creepy lyrics add to the overall feel and atmosphere of the album.

Call Of Kia gets spookier and spookier with each passing second. Haunting ambient sounds hover over like a dark vengeful spirit on Halloween. The album does take its time in getting you into the mood and overall feel of this pulsating album. But when it does your hooked until the dying seconds. For me it was the excellent 3rd track – Spawn In The Tear. An 11-minute plus magical opus that has some of the best riffs on the entire album.

By now, I was sold on how great – Call Of Kia – actually is. It makes you think of the world around you and remember to check behind those dark corners, as it is a rather spooky affair done with excellent vocals and superb Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs.

Inferno (XII) have an excellent DIY based vibe to their music. Their music stands apart from their major league competition as they play truly from the heart and pack a lot of emotion in their instrumental work. There is no professional wizardry going on. You can tell Inferno (XII) are the real deal. Their music packs a mean punch that will bowl you over at different times.

If your into YOB, Mastodon, Sabbath, Vitus and Sleep then you going to love this. I know I am not doing a straightforward review. Well Call Of Kia is not a straightforward album. It is an album that conveys many great moods that are very hard to describe. I can say hard rocking, action packed, creepy and an uplifting haunting vibe all in one insane crazy superb experience.

This album requires multiple listens to experience the full effect, as one listen is never enough. You will be amazed to find out what you missed first time around as I did. Riffs, haunting vocals and ambient tones that give Call Of Kia a life of its own.

Inferno (XII) are a band firmly rooted in Dark Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metal territory as they take you on a journey through the eternal darkness with music as your only guide. Call Of Kia is a masterclass of occult and creepy based Sludge/Stoner/Doom metal that should win Inferno (XII) a whole legion of new admirers.

Excellent and Highly Recommended. A must have for all Sludge/Stoner Metal Fans.

You can buy Call Of Kia from Inferno (XII) BandCamp Page

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