Khanate, the legendary doom metal supergroup featuring Stephen O’Malley (Sunn O))), James Plotkin (OLD), Alan Dubin (Old Man Gloom), and Tim Wyskida (Blind Idiot God), returns after a fourteen-year hiatus with their earth-shattering album, “To Be Cruel.” This isn’t a mere comeback; it’s a pulverizing reminder of why Khanate remains a revered force in the extreme metal underground. “To Be Cruel” is an oppressive and harrowing journey, a sonic manifestation of despair that will leave listeners breathless and begging for more. Does the album live up to the legacy of their earlier works, or is it a cruel exercise in nostalgia? Let’s descend into the abyss and find out.
An Unrelenting Aural Assault:
“To Be Cruel” isn’t for the faint of heart. Khanate throws subtlety out the window, opting for a suffocating and relentless assault on the senses. Slow, dirge-like tempos dominate the soundscape, punctuated by moments of crushing intensity. O’Malley’s signature guitar work is as monolithic as ever, churning out gargantuan riffs that feel like sonic tectonic plates grinding against each other. Plotkin’s drumming is precise yet brutal, adding a rhythmic pulse to the suffocating atmosphere.
A Descent into Primal Darkness:
The music on “To Be Cruel” transcends mere technical proficiency. It evokes a sense of primal darkness, a descent into the deepest recesses of the human psyche. The glacial pace allows the listener to fully absorb the emotional weight of the music, creating an atmosphere of crushing despair and existential dread.
Alan Dubin’s Vocals: A Descent into Madness:
Alan Dubin’s vocals are a revelation on “To Be Cruel.” They are not your typical growls or screams. Dubin’s voice sounds like a man on the verge of a complete mental breakdown, his anguished shrieks adding a layer of unhinged desperation to the already oppressive atmosphere.
Three Monumental Tracks, One Cohesive Experience:
While the album features only three tracks, each exceeding the twenty-minute mark, they flow together seamlessly, forming a cohesive and harrowing experience. There are moments of respite amidst the crushing heaviness, with melancholic clean guitar passages offering a glimpse of something resembling hope before plunging back into the abyss.
A Return to Form, Not a Retread:
“To Be Cruel” might not be a radical departure from Khanate’s established sound. However, it’s a return to form in the best possible way. The album is a stark reminder of the band’s ability to create atmosphere, evoke raw emotion, and push the boundaries of extreme metal.
Not for the Casual Listener:
Be warned, “To Be Cruel” is a demanding listen. Its glacial pace and unrelenting heaviness won’t appeal to all listeners. But for those seeking a truly immersive and emotionally draining experience, “To Be Cruel” is a masterpiece of doom metal.
A Crushing Masterpiece from Doom Metal Legends:
Khanate’s return is a triumph. “To Be Cruel” is a harrowing and oppressive journey through sonic desolation, a testament to the band’s enduring power and influence. This is an album that will stay with you long after the final notes fade, leaving you questioning your place in the vast and indifferent universe. For fans of doom metal at its most extreme, “To Be Cruel” is a must-listen. Just make sure you’re prepared for the emotional toll it takes.
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