I remember reviewing Kollaps\e's 2023 album Phantom Centre for The Sleeping Shaman which was put out by the now sadly defunct label Trepanation Recordings. It was a release I described at the time as possessing a 'reasonable length and enough diversity to satisfy even the most cynical and jaded of music journalists such as myself' and seeing as I was going through a difficult time due to a complicated romantic entanglement it managed to offer an ideal cathartic outlet. It wasn't just me however that was left impressed however, it even garnered attention on Daniel P Carter's well regarded BBC 6 Music Rock show as well as other stellar publications such as No Echo, Scream Blast Repeat and The Obelisk.
Since then the Helsingborg (Sweden) outfit have undergone a name change, now calling themselves K L P S, with their latest S/T effort being released on Italian label These Hands Melt (Witnesses, Föhn, Noctambulist) who to quote the promo-notes are 'known for promoting innovative and boundary-pushing music'. After a couple of years away I'm certainly intrigued to hear what the rebranded band have produced, so without further ado...
'Subverse' wastes no time, immediately cutting to the chase to produce some truly savage Metallic Hardcore that may bring to mind the likes of Integrity but as filtered through the expansive Post-Metal of a band like Neurosis. The band have named bands such as Burst and Breach as influences and I'd have to take their word on that as someone who isn't familiar with either. A solid opener in any case. The low electric hum that commences 'Katarsis' instantly recalls the entry to Killing Joke's 'Requiem' indicative of a slight Industrial influence, before the overwhelming sweep of Cult of Luna vibes kicks in. A track that via its multiple changing tempos toys with your emotions throughout in a devastating fashion while confounding your expectations musically. Bang on as we say here in the U.K. 'Tribulation' is a little Proggier, with dare I say Folk(ish) moments not far removed from the likes of Opeth's Heritage. This is definitely indicative of the band's desire for musical experimentation and demonstrates a certain amount of growth that makes the whole experience interesting for artist and listener alike.
'Nattsvart' which translates to pitch black, jet black, or black as night, can also figuratively mean hopeless. The track appears to be aptly named therefore with a delicious Black Metal flavour prevalent ala bands such as Ulver on The Trilogie – Three Journeyes Through the Norwegian Netherworlde aka their first three albums. Right up my street and simply superb. 'Undertow' may catch the attention of Tool fans and this is not just attributable to the title either (the name of their debut album for those not in the know). There is an Art-Rock sensibility here but one which feels far less ponderous and dull than what the legendary LA outfit have to offer and hence way more engaging. The longest track at nearly eight and a half minutes, 'Aureola' is by far the band's most ambitious and epic piece to date, rivalling anything to be found on Isis' monstrous Oceanic, making it a commanding way to conclude the album.
Unlike Phantom Centre, K L P S is slightly longer by eight minutes coming in at forty three minutes and which is clearly reflective of the band's new found interest in experimentation. Though this isn't an album that I'd necessarily be jamming regularly, it is nonetheless one I'd recommend to Post-Metal aficionados as well as observers of intelligently crafted heavy music.
Comments