Band : Kylesa
Album : Spiral Shadow
Release Year : 2010
Genre : Hardcore / Sludge
Tracklist:
1. Tired Climb
2. Cheating Synergy
3. Drop Out
4. Crowded Road
5. Don’t Look Back
6. Distance Closing In
7. To Forget
8. Forsaken
9. Spiral Shadow
10. Back and Forth
11. Dust
2. Cheating Synergy
3. Drop Out
4. Crowded Road
5. Don’t Look Back
6. Distance Closing In
7. To Forget
8. Forsaken
9. Spiral Shadow
10. Back and Forth
11. Dust
Already being labelled by some as the “best metal album for 2010,” this fifth studio product from band, Kylesa, hailing from America’s south is at the forefront of a genre coined as “Dixie” (obviously a reference to the band’s roots in Georgia). If this was a brand new band hitting the scene, then I would probably rate the album slightly differently, but knowing that Kylesa have a long history, I did some digging to gain a reference for this album versus its other offerings.
Right from the outset with 'Tired Climb,' Spiral Shadow is ripping out an appealing collection of riff heavy, psychedelic stoner rock. It lacks some of the heavier Mastodon references that were present in their earlier work but is way more in keeping with last year’s release, Static Tensions - particularly with the monotone, slightly creepy vocals of Laura Pleasants.
Spacey sounds alongside fuzzy guitars and military precision drums follow with 'Cheating Synergy.' This track also steps away from the droning female vocals and leans towards angst-ridden outbursts. The album is full of thundering punk/sludge orientated riffs and melodic bridges. More anthemic pieces come from 'Drop Out' and 'Crowded Road.' The interesting use of two drummers is rare and should also be appreciated. It gives each song such intensity, especially when backed by ominous guitar work. Tracks like 'Don’t Look Back' have elements of inoffensive alternative, dare I say it verging on commercial aspects. You can’t get comfortable with Spiral Shadow as it takes you for a literal trip from tormented psychedelia to hard, rocking metal. Perhaps this is Kylesa making a statement and trying to step out of the shadows of their contemporaries Baroness and Mastodon with a real mash up of references and influences?
All in all Spiral Shadows is an epic album that I’m sure will have the band standing tall for some time to come and have fans captivated at festivals next summer.
Right from the outset with 'Tired Climb,' Spiral Shadow is ripping out an appealing collection of riff heavy, psychedelic stoner rock. It lacks some of the heavier Mastodon references that were present in their earlier work but is way more in keeping with last year’s release, Static Tensions - particularly with the monotone, slightly creepy vocals of Laura Pleasants.
Spacey sounds alongside fuzzy guitars and military precision drums follow with 'Cheating Synergy.' This track also steps away from the droning female vocals and leans towards angst-ridden outbursts. The album is full of thundering punk/sludge orientated riffs and melodic bridges. More anthemic pieces come from 'Drop Out' and 'Crowded Road.' The interesting use of two drummers is rare and should also be appreciated. It gives each song such intensity, especially when backed by ominous guitar work. Tracks like 'Don’t Look Back' have elements of inoffensive alternative, dare I say it verging on commercial aspects. You can’t get comfortable with Spiral Shadow as it takes you for a literal trip from tormented psychedelia to hard, rocking metal. Perhaps this is Kylesa making a statement and trying to step out of the shadows of their contemporaries Baroness and Mastodon with a real mash up of references and influences?
All in all Spiral Shadows is an epic album that I’m sure will have the band standing tall for some time to come and have fans captivated at festivals next summer.
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