Haxandraok - KI SI KIL UD DA KAR RA (2019)

Today we are almost closing 2019 with some ritualistic Black Metal from Greece, under the moniker of Haxandraok. With “KI SI KIL UD DA KAR RA” this duo delivers a highly ritualistic crushing example of punishing and yet eerily atmospheric BM. With a certain Melechesh, Nile and even Orphaned Land vibe, this release delivers over 30 minutes of engaging music that will keep the listener on a heightened state of awareness.

Opening the release with lush middle-eastern arrangements, “The Temptress of UD DA KAR RA” slowly proceeds to unleash waves of piercing riffs and creepy clean vocals. The band’s sheer power is made quite evident with the level of intensity of this track, but the crafty tempo changes are what makes the song stand out. Crafting an ambiance of decay, “Ba'al Zel Bul at the Gates of NOX” continues spewing the band’s ritualistic message with more creepy vocal arrangements, intense drumming and crafty guitar leads.

By the middle of the release, “Tower Sub Rosa” features powerful guitars paired with a vicious intensity that only a handful of tracks have managed to achieve in 2019. The band’s ability to craft pummeling songs with a heavy atmospheric component is unrivaled, there is even no need of BM traditional shrieks to deliver their haunting message. For those that enjoy sinister guitar melodies, “Lilith Unbound” has its fare share of them, paired with ethereal clean vocals to create a very mystical vibe.

Closing with the atmospheric “La Sorciere Rouge”, we are eager to start the whole experience again. “KI SI KIL UD DA KAR RA” is one of those albums that crawls under your skin with its atmospheric aspect, and yet delivers the intensity and brutality of more traditional Black Metal albums. As yet another brilliant find of Ván Records, Haxandraok is a name to keep out for in the ritualistic BM space.

Label: Ván Records

Release: December 17th, 2019

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Greece