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Released on January 1, 2016 via Independent
Black metal band Krallice seem to have mastered the art of surprising us with new music as once again, just as last year’s Ygg Hurr turned up from nowhere, this EP suddenly drops on New Year’s Day. And what a start to a new year it is with Krallice gathering three songs recorded in 2013, reputedly for a split release with Vindsval, which was continually delayed, and casting them out under the title of Hyperion.
With these songs preceding Ygg Hurr, there is a distinct lack of continuity and a much rawer sound is prevalent here. The very nature of the tracks also threatens sub-par material, but that is simply not the case and although only running at just under 25 minutes, at no point leaves the listener short-changed.
Casting aside the rawness of these songs serves to release the pure essence of Krallice, which is one of the more technically minded black metal bands around. Drifting closer to a post-black sound, their nearest cousin could be Deafheaven although one gets the feeling Krallice would win that battle hands down.
It’s the traditional sound which pervades through on say, ‘Assuming Memory’, the ten minute finisher. Amongst the ferocious melodies and cinematic swathes of sound you can hear the dark beating heart of their Norwegian forebears and that is what makes this band so exciting. It’s a progression that remains true to the kvlt nature of black metal and crosses any pedantic boundaries, which so threaten this genre.
Really it’s the true mastery of music that wins in the end and whether driving head on into a raging riff or finding itself cast on some widescreen level as the music seeks other paths, Krallice remain firmly on charge on both a technical and emotional level. On hearing this it’s hard to think of another black metal band so proficient at twisting the nerve endings as they expand on the black metal palette.
You feel an almost cleansing feel come over you once the EP finishes and having survived the full on assault of opener ‘Hyperion’, delved into the dark ‘The Guilt Of Time’ and eventually come out the other side of the majestic finishing track, you feel a sense of loss as silence takes over your world. All that is really left is to return for another listen to see where it takes you this time. An excellent release from a superb band.
