Katakombi – Katakombi (2014)

Arriving today from Finland, we have Katakombi and their very weird, but equally crushing self-titled EP. Featuring three tracks and 26 minutes of music, this release will give you nightmares thanks to the very disturbing atmospheric elements that are used to create ambiance. If you are tired of ‘traditional’ Death/Doom/Sludge releases, this is one EP that will expand your mind thanks to its highly original approach.

The EP features on side the monumental “Väärä Kuu”, a 13-minute crushing piece of music that nicely builds up starting from creepy atmospheric/drone-like elements into some ghoulish spoken sections before finally delivering some harsh vocals and chilling riffs. The bands musical progression in this track is quite unique and very well crafted, nicely culminating in a powerful aural assault with a very mellow pace.

The second side starts on a more straightforward way with the punishing “Liejuhaudan Vanki” a track filled with dissonant doomy riffs and a hefty vibe of brutality that was not achieved on the first side of the release. The tempo switches a bit on the demoralizing “Sokea Jumala”, a track that features familiar guitar sections but with a certain degree of uniqueness that will make you un-easy.

Overall, “Katakombi” is a pretty interesting release that features plenty of familiar elements mashed into a big ball of experimental beauty. The drumming is quite solid and manages to define very weird structures for the tracks to unfold. The vocals are completely hellish and will infuse nightmares on young children. If you are looking for something very different and somewhat out of whack, look no further and get this release.

Label: Hämähäkki Music

Release: June 15th, 2014

Genre: Death / Doom / Avant-garde

Country: Finland