Kardashev - The Baring of Shadows (2021)

Creating a very unique and distinctive sound, today we have Kardashev and their latest EP “The Baring of Shadows”. Self-proclaimed as “Deathgaze”, the band’s music merges elements from bands like Deafheaven and Alcest with proggy Deathcore elements. We have to say that this mixture is quite excellent as it delivers over 25 minutes of lush and melancholic music, while keeping a nice dose of heaviness.

Opening with “A Frame. A Light”, we instantly got the Deafheaven “Sunbather” chills as the track starts with very dreamy guitars. Slowly building momentum, we get lush clean vocals and sweeping guitars to serenade you into submission. The tempo changes are subtle and nicely contrast the harsh vocals and more distorted parts with richly atmospheric clean vocals and mellow passages. Right after the first song, “Snow-Sleep” shakes things up delivering a more traditional Deathcore aggression with nice mellow interludes.

Our favorite track has to be the doomy “Torchpassing” and its Alcest-like dreamy atmospherics. The clean vocals are a nice touch as they provide a wider contrast between the harsh growls and drumming onslaughts. Saving the heaviest for last, “Heartache” perfectly strikes the balance of monstrous Deathcore passages and dreamy and atmospheric brilliance.

Additionally to the four new tracks, there are also instrumental versions of all of them, giving the listener extra appreciation at the musical layering in the songs without the vocals. We personally liked this approach, as it also doubles the running time of an already very impressive EP. If you like Deafheaven, Alcest, and similar outfits, and have a warm spot for Deathcore, this is one band you need to keep in your radar.

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release: May 7th, 2021

Genre: Progressive/Atmospheric Deathcore / Shoegaze

Country: USA