Norwegian band KHOLD was formed back in 2000, and from their base in Oslo, Norway this band have explored their particular brand of metal on a good handful of studio productions so far. Following a six year long break as recording artists Khold returned to the scene in the fall of 2014 with their sixth studio production “Til Endes”, which was released through UK label Peaceville Records.
As an aging guy that was a metalhead once upon a time, this most recent production by Khold, and the first of their albums I’ve listened to, was something of a trip down memory lane. Things may change, things may stay the same indeed, and on this occasion my main associations are drawn to music that was made just about a generation ago, to what one might describe as vintage extreme metal, and presumably what some kids today would describe as proto extreme metal I guess.
The overall approach, especially in the early parts of this album, made me nod my head in satisfaction while thinking about Tom Fischer. There’s a distinct early Celtic Frost vibe about this album in general, in how atmospheric details and odd sounds are given room, in how the songs just about always appears to include some form of minimalistic melody, in the manner in which alterations in pace and intensity are applied, as well as the overall dark, somewhat oppressive sound. I’d describe this as comparable in approach and execution rather than actually similar as such, but especially opening cut My does contain a few genuine similarities as well.
As this fairly short production unfolds, my memory keeps firing off associations to many of the extreme metal bands of yesteryear. Destruction, Sodom, Death Angel. To some extent early Metallica as well, but on this occasion in a twisted, demented manner. Vintage Metallica as forcefed though a Lovecraftian filter of you like. I understand that Dommens Arme is actually a cover tune, originally by Sepultura, and this cover version is a highlight. I cannot recall the original, shame on me for that presumably, but this version of the song is a strong and vibrant one at least.
I also note that whenever Khold hits off on a more intense run, presumably exploring what is called black metal these days, the massive influence of US band Possessed is an undeniable presence. It is kind of weird that a young, amateur band that just managed to produce two album before calling it quits 25 or so years ago had such an impact on metal that the sound bands explore even today can be traced back to an original source that old. I kind of guess that Khold, like many other extreme bands, are separated by this old extreme metal band by at least one generation of bands however, and that Possessed isn’t a direct influence as such, but rather the original source for a sound that have been explored by a few generations of extreme metal bands by now.
While Khold doesn’t represent anything new for me, exploring what I’d describe as a vintage oriented extreme metal style, I do find their minimalistic melodies, deceivingly basic sounding expression and at times impressively interwoven instrument arrangements to be compelling and likable. This is dark, intense and powerful music, and yet also music made with some real thought in terms of maintaining melodies and harmonies, and with contrasting features, subtle unexpected maneuvers and other minute details that do maintain nerve and tension in a good manner.
My rating: 85/100
