reviews

Kodiak - Kodiak

posted by: maurice on 30 August 2011

The Doom monsters of Kodiak are back with a special compilation album that includes their self-titled LP, the songs from the splits with Nadja and Black Shape Of Nexus, the collaboration with N and (according to the biography) an extended version of "By the Sea" that first was available on the Falling Down compilation part II.

I'm not going to review the songs of the splits since those reviews can be read here and here. The self-titled album is already available since 2009 I only can say the two songs still stand the test of time. There is a lot room for melody in the blackened drones and a cello, spoken words and feedback are used to spark up these beautiful beasts.

The extended version of �By the Sea� is exactly the same version as on the compilation, so nothing special there. Keeping in mind Kodiak�s songs are at least 15 minutes long, this 8 minute song is over before you notice it. The biggest surprise is the collaboration with N. In the two songs it's mostly the Kodiak sound mixed with N�s resonating melodic guitar tones in the background. The first track �Radon� starts with the subtle drone ambient of this long going artist from the Ruhrpott. Halfway the crushing drums and guitars of Kodiak kick in. Until the end the N sound keeps resonating in your ears underneath the shuffling tectonic plates.

�Xenon� starts off heavier and seems to be a typical Kodiak piece. However, the demanding drones of N fill your void again. It takes some time to fully understand in which direction the collaboration goes, and it�s not as impressive as their debut on the Denovali festival last year. Still, these two songs make for an amazing ride. Both songs are also pressed on vinyl in a white/black and a black edition.

Don�t miss one of these two releases.

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