Accents are fascinating and it is often hard to wrap my mind around the fact that even the gap of a few miles can bring you to a different tone, tongue and dialogue. The fact that music can have an accent may sound completely ridiculous but there is probably a simple explanation for local scenes developing certain tones. From Seattle grunge, New York hardcore and Gothenburg death metal, the use of the words can bring to mind some of those famous sounds. Sweden has also graced the world with an accent of mixed post-metal and post-hardcore and that is where we find K L P S (formerly Kollaps/e) with its self-titled release. Not only does it reach up to its neighbouring forbearers such as Cult of Luna, Breach and The Moth Gatherer but it comfortably stands shoulder to shoulder with its delivery.
That sounds like a bold statement but the six tracks here more than back that up. The underbelly snarl of post-hardcore that was fluent in Breach is bubbling away here. ‘Subverse’ flies straight into it but even by its midsection it has traversed more of the ground the first two or three Cult of Luna albums sit in. The grit to the sound adds a real heft to the post-metal riffage and this combines with a great use of space without becoming too elongated and is used perfectly to strengthen the more active parts. ‘Katarsis’ is a great example of this where the soundscapes build and fall without ever letting go of the listener.
The aggression and urgency are balanced so beautifully with the space and reflection which makes the album insatiable. Closer ‘Aureola’ is just one of those perfect summations with a glorious ebb and flow, guitar that attacks and guitar that soars. K L P S continues to build from its early releases but this release feels like a real statement of ambition and achievement. It is post-metal with pace and passion but also with pause and patience. Over the six tracks the band never goes wrong and K L P S has put a real marker down in the Swedish post-metal sound.
