EP REVIEW: Doomed Heavy Metal – Khemmis

It’s hard to know exactly where to place Denver based quartet KHEMMIS. Their older work on debut album Absolution is quite obviously placed within the doom genre, however over time they have moved slowly over to the traditional side of heavy metal as heard on 2018’s Desolation. Wherever you feel KHEMMIS lie, you can always count on them to deliver a plethora of down-tuned riffs and thundering rhythms alongside outstanding musicianship. Their new EP, Doomed Heavy Metal, serves as a reminder of what they have accomplished so far as well as giving their fans some tasty treats to tide them over until their next full-length release.

The EP opens with Rainbow in the Dark. Not only do KHEMMIS have the stones to attempt a DIO cover, but they also nail it in an impressive and respectable manor. Not trying to emulate Dio’s soaring highs of the original, the band puts their spin with their trademark melodic rumble, thundering along with grace and power. Whether it fits in with the motif of the rest of the EP though is questionable but it is a standout nonetheless.

The next two tracks are deep cuts seeing a re-release to an audience that would most likely have missed them the first time around. First up is A Conversation With Death originally from the bands 7” split with SPIRIT ADRIFT. The track begins with an acapella moment sung in a folksy style before it opens up to a slow, trudging riff laced with a filthy amount of distortion. Aside from the obvious instrumental talent, it’s the vocal melodies of Phil Pendergast and Ben Hutcherson that shine through the doom-laden darkness and have become quite recognisable now within the doom metal community. There is an incredible amount of emotion that breathes life into their tracks that compliment the down-tuned guitars and pounding drums very well. A tasteful solo leads way to a lead break that finishes off the track with a flourish at a shorter run-time than a usual KHEMMIS number.

Empty Throne opens with an obscene amount of fuzz emanating from the bass of Daniel Beiers who along with drummer Zach Coleman are unsung heroes within the band. They both work together seamlessly in creating the thunderous roar that crashes through the entire EP. It’s a slow-burning track that barrels through the 6 minutes without losing focus or drive. Side B of Doomed Heavy Metal shows off KHEMMIS’ power in a live environment setting with recordings of a track from each of their three full-length albums. Bloodletting from 2018’s Desolation is epic in every sense of the word. Huge driving riffs are littered throughout the track with their distinct and unmistakable soaring vocals floating majestically over the top like smoke over flame. Nothing has to be given in their performance and not one ounce of their power is lost in a live setting.

People looking for a more death/doom sound should look no further than Three Gates from 2016’s Hunted. It is one of KHEMMIS’ faster-paced tracks with growled verses and yet again, another powerful and haunting chorus in which Pendergast pleads in despair to ‘”Wash away my ashes in the sea”. This one is a headbanger’s best friend. The EP comes to a close with The Bereaved from debut album Absolution that serves as a haunting and atmospheric end to proceedings. Opening with a slow build that crashes down into a seismic riff rumbling below a solo. The track features a slow groove and some hard-hitting lyrics with complimenting vocal styles once again from both guitarists.

One of the most underrated bands out there, KHEMMIS have created a treat for old and new fans alike with an EP consisting of unreleased and deep cut gems from different stages of their career. Throw in a respectable and solid cover of a DIO classic and you have an impressive collection of doom to hold listeners over until their next eagerly anticipated full-length record.

Rating: 9/10

Doomed Heavy Metal is set for release April 17th via Nuclear Blast Records. 

Like KHEMMIS on Facebook.