Krux

Leif Edling, Candlemass' bass player, is back with Krux. For those of you who know Candlemass, you are expecting a doom record, arent't you? Bingo! In other words, if you are a fan of Black Sabbath, Cathedral, Type O Negative or Candlemass, don't forget to check out this album. First big surprise: Mr. Mats Levén, At Vance's new vocalist, is behind the microphone. Second "mild" surprise: Krux plays good stuff, like Black Sabbath used to do a long time ago. Krux's music is standard old school doom metal and isn't very innovative. Cathedral has played this type of music for a decade but it is a pleasure to hear this type of metal in 2003. After all, doom was created 30 years ago and each time I listen to this "vintage sound" of the 70's, my blood boils. Musically speaking, be ready for a heavy, a very heavy trip. The kind of music you have in your head when you go to the cemetery (Sibiria, Omfalos). Yet I find it awfully hard to not get into Krux' music which features some gorgeous guitar work, coupled with Mats' terrific singing. The "distorted" rhythm of Krux should appeal Candlemass' fans. The opener, Black Room, showcases Mats Levén's voice. After exploding my brain last month with the new At Vance album, Mats invites us for a doom ride. With Krux, Mats confirms my first impression: this guy is a talented vocalist. The kind of vocalist who leaves a footprint. The second track, Krux, reminds you of Creedance Clearwater Revival's spirit. The tempo is a "pot smoker's rhythm" shall I say, but this is actually the case through out the record. Nimis, which combines a heavy tempo and "accelerated" guitar riffs is a pure jewel. Without falling into the category of an extraordinary band, Krux is one of the best Seventies' legacy styled bands I have heard since Spiritual Beggars. The super-heavy guitars collapsing with the pounding rhythms is the trademark of this Swedish band. Yes, Sweden again ;) I'll let you discover the two last tracks, which are totally psychedelic. Another tribute to the 70's? After the magnificent The Evil In You by At Vance, I am sure you will agree with me that Mats Levén is the amazing singer of 2003 ... so far. I don't know many singers out there performing for a neoclassical and doom metal bands at the same time ;)