the metal gods rock show
Biography:
“Marrow of Kaladrius was born in 2014.
It began with one idea: create music without boundaries. Brieuc De Groof (Sekhmet, Aktarum, About: Blank) decided to forge a subtle blend of what metal is all about. Epic riffs, blasting drums, devoured vocals and enchanting melodies. All that under one banner: Extreme Epic Metal. The band have now released its debut album "To Elysium" filled with 12 tracks of Epic black/death metal. It tells the journey of Men among the stars. The path to reach Elysium. The story of the free man grabbing fate in his hands. At first, "Mok" was meant to be a studio project but they decided to make it become "live" and grow further. The band are now ready to reveal their true colours around the world. Its will is strong and eager to be heard!”
I have come across some strange band names in my time but nothing prepared me for “Marrow of Kaladrius!” Although I feel it was a smart move on the bands part for two simple reasons: 1. No other band will have that name and 2. It makes them instantly recognisable.
Belgium isn’t a place associated with a lot of Black/Death metal bands, in fact “Aborted” and “Agathocles” are about the only two bands I can think of to originate from there, so it narrows the field down somewhat, although Belgium is hardly a vast area in the first instance. So without further ado, let’s just see what has escaped from the small land of Belgium!
Cosmic Reign
Well so far so good, the production is pretty amazing! The track immediately shows off its superb technical side with sweeping riffs that blend in to a strong drum beat.
Sky Emperor
Without a doubt very black vocals gristles their way through the track while a malignant battering produces a powerful temptation. Also present are low toned growls and high octane riffs so a bit of a roller coaster composition.
Kalandria
This track has surprised me as it opens with a gallant chugging and then steps back to a more tempered level. With low guttural growls and stealthy gnarliness it however succumbs to a clean vocal that does not do the track justice in my opinion.
As the Constellation falls
The shrill cymbal is so much so it literally slices the ears off in one fell swoop. Its structures are robust and demanding, but the clean vocal harmonies although not awful just loose that black intensity too much and I feel should just stick to low and high vocals. The synth is pretty amazing and adds a hot chilli to the mix and redeems itself!
To Elysium
Is the title track to the album, and again is surprising as an acoustic guitar parades itself in front of the aural in a bold context. As the track edges slowly forward it is back to the clean vocals which for me spoil the track so much, however the low booming and formidable growls dig it out of a black hole and put a smile on my face once more.
When daylight rises
Bubbles under festering ambiance – this track is slow and plodding and also very short lived!
Serpent and Eagle
Unusual beginning that sounds like a fog horn! It soon twists venomously into a rampaging and impressive track that boasts that seductive heavy growl, but sadly we are back to the clean vocal harmonic structures again – and again a significant amount of potent energy dissipates which is a shame as this track does have potential.
King of Kings
Makes use of the synth in such an unusual way as it ripples with a vibrancy that leads in a most authoritarian way! The barbed hooks are engaging and technical with the gruesome black vocal drenched in a thick malevolence. The slower engrossing moment allows one to catch their breath and sink into its majestic arms – I even like the clean vocals on this as well as they are much more in keeping with the melodic tones of the music - I think I have found my favourite track on the album!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fw1Mk50nfc&spfreload=1
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“The music is a mix of impressive and heart-stopping. The grand structural synth and scintillating electric guitar riffs are vibrant and far reaching, keeping things alive, certainly to engrossing levels, pushing boundaries and really do showcase the bands talents on this their debut album To Elysium!”
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Stellar Icon
Sounds like a hungry hornets nest as the rhythms buzz and hum to a myriad of blackness. Another dynamic track that peeks the interest and awakens the aural in this commanding brawl of agility.
March of the Kaladrius
Efficient at keeping one on the edge of their seat in this skilful and vigorous punchy track that can safely boast a plethora of all-out meaty stabbing rhythms and tasty drum beats. Showcasing their talents with added technical structures that are beautiful and breath taking.
Song for the Free
Begins with an acoustic ensemble although back to the clean vocal edge that really and sadly now grates. The music grows in stature and is engaging but not one of my favourite tracks as it doesn’t really know what it wants to be and very confusing to listen to as a result.
…and Night Time falls
MoK have decided to end their debut on a less engaging level, opting for a slower track that meanders. Although the music shows off its prowess and is quite breath taking – But I feel they should have gone out literally with a bang on their debut and picked something with a bit more kick and bite to show they mean business but newly formed band MoK have done extremely well for themselves considering they are only in the infant stages of their career.
Summary:
Although Marrow of Kaladrius have poured some heartfelt moments into their song structures for me the clean vocal really does not do it or the band any favours what so ever!
The blackened snarls and low toned guttural scrapings serve the music with extreme purpose and when the band present these two attributes it works shockingly well and they do it in absolute style!
The music is a mix of impressive and heart-stopping. The grand structural synth and scintillating electric guitar riffs are vibrant and far reaching, keeping things alive, certainly to engrossing levels, pushing boundaries and really do showcase the bands talents on this their debut album To Elysium.
But for me, please drop the clean vocals and concentrate on the highs and lows which will go a long way to keeping the spine-chilling moment’s right up there in the forefront and keeping the intensity to stupefying levels of potency!
7/10
Tracks:
Cosmic Reign
Sky Emperor
Kalandria
As the Constellation falls
To Elysium
When daylight rises
Serpent and Eagle
King of Kings
Stellar Icon
March of the Kaladrius
Song for the Free
…and Night Time falls
Members:
Brieuc De Groof - Guitar/Vocals
Kevin Facella - Drums
Michel Debeck - Vocals
Samuel Coppin - Guitar/Vocals
