Since their formation in 2012 Denver metallers Khemmis have managed to construct a distinct and recognisable sound, built primarily upon monolithic doom riffs and emotive, melodic lead guitar. The band have long since demonstrated their expertise when working within these confines; with their fourth album Deceiver they have consciously decided to incorporate elements from the wider spectrum of metal subgenres. Guitarist and vocalist Phil Pendergast has stated that he wanted this album to be a metal album in the broadest sense rather than something that could be described as doom metal alone. Moving from a specific niche to a more varied sonic palette without losing the things that make a band distinctive is a tall order, but for the most part Khemmis have succeeded superbly. Whilst doom still springs to mind frequently across the record, thanks in no small part to the grandiose melancholic feel of the songs, elements of extreme metal are incorporated more frequently and more artfully than on past efforts and the strains of NWOBHM are more prominent, both instrumentally and in terms of vocal delivery.
As soon as the mournful, acoustic intro of opening track ‘Avernal Gate’ gives way to a crushing riff and soaring lead line its clear that this outing owes a lot to classic metal heyday of the 80s, with guitar heroics and layered choruses being employed to great effect, calling back to days gone by without ever truly sounding retro or anachronistic. Just as the track seems to settle into this well-trodden territory though, it changes gear and swings into a lumbering doom section complemented by black metal howls. Its an early demonstration of Khemmis‘ stated intention to draw in and meld different styles of metal, this aspect of their sound is vital in ensuring that the longer epic tracks (of which there are four) never sit in one place for long enough to become stale or repetitive – quite the contrary in fact, as each presents its own enthralling journey.
Though the longer tracks are doubtlessly the centrepiece and the primary focus of the album, they are punctuated by a duo of shorter, more straightforward tracks (lead single ‘Living Pyre’ and ‘Obsidian Crown’) – both are refreshing, coming in the wake of sprawling and complex pieces, with each track featuring the staple lead melodies, chugging rhythms, clean vocals full of gravitas and demonic, blast-beat backed screams trimmed entirely clean of fat.
Lyrically, this is an album rooted in personal turmoil taking place against a backdrop of upheaval and uncertainty all told through the prism of mythological allegory. It’s an intelligent way of reframing the typically fantastical subject matter of heavy metal and the imagery that it conjures to tell stories that are deeply raw and personal. What’s even more impressive is that the feel and expressiveness of the instrumentation perfectly matches the lyricism, sometimes despairing, sometimes longing, sometimes sprinkling in a dash of light. Whilst the musicianship is excellent, it means that the tracks are elevated beyond a mere technical showcase.
Its important for the closing track of an album to leave a lasting impression, and ‘The Astral Road’ does so brilliantly, arguably topping all of its predecessors. The driving, intense verses see Pendergast shifting into an extra gear, sounding more fired up than ever as his vocals reach towards a more operatic register. Frantic, fierce and yet meticulously constructed, able to make its 8-minute length pass by it what feels like a far shorter span of time, it encapsulates everything that Khemmis are capable of and by ending, ingeniously, on an unresolved note it leaves no doubt that there is more to come.
Paying homage to the pioneering bands of the metal genre whilst still sounding contemporary, weaving strains of numerous metal subgenres whilst still sounding coherent and distinctive, writing long, elaborate songs without ever failing to be exciting. With Deceiver, Khemmis have managed to overcome all of these hurdles and deliver the best album of their career so far.