Khemmis: Desolation (2018)

Khemmis is a band that seemed to acquire a following overnight.  I am not sure when exactly it happened.  I think it was some time in 2016/2017 when I was not as occupied with metal that their album Hunted suddenly achieved some attention and became something of a darling for Decibel magazine.  It was the magazine's Album of the Year.  Khemmis at that time had only released one other album and an EP and been together for four years.  That is quite a bit of success early on.  The question was whether the band could keep it up.

Yes, yes they can.  This is the band's first album since the incredible critical success of Hunted, and if anything, the songs are even more infectious.  Khemmis is a traditional doom metal band, playing songs that are somewhat lengthy, but move at a decent clip and have quite a bit going on musically.  Then there is the fact that the band is simply incredible at writing songs.  The musicianship is incredibly impressive with heavy doom-laden riffs and the vocalist has a terrific melodic croon that matches quite well.

"Isolation" and "Maw of Time" are the highlight tracks.  "Isolation" moves by at a fairly quick clip and has some of the catchiest hooks and rhythms on the album.  "Maw of Time" features some impressively nasty death metal snarling in addition to the clean vocals.

I have checked out all three of Khemmis's albums thus far and honestly this one is my favorite.  I think the band has really found its sound here.  They are easily one of the better bands in doom metal going right now and deserve the attention they have been getting.  Just recently it was announced they were signing to Nuclear Blast Records, so having a decent-sized label behind them can only help propel them forward.  Looking forward to their next album.