Friday 5 June 2009

Kodiak - Kodiak

Denovali, 2009

1. Beginning
2. End

This is the crushing debut release from three-piece German act Kodiak. It features only 2 tracks yet spans just shy of 40 minutes; opening with such a melancholic cello intro (courtesy of Emelie Molin from Audrey) leading into some of the most vast, downtempo sludge/doom ever.

The mournful lilt of Emelie's cello conjures images and emotions of the passing and procession of royalty, or the embarking of a lonely but glorious expedition, deep into the snow-laden valleys, from the eyes of the wives whom were left behind. If this were a film then the coming of the guitars would herald a shift in scene where we now all but helpless in watching the long, slow struggle and turmoil of our protagonists as they dredge onwards.

Kodiak put a lot of focus on brillliant structural progression, just at a very lethargic pace. The first half, Beginning, may start with sorrowful strings but its 18 minutes builds into thick, destructive doom.

Although maybe not brimming with as much epic as Hyatari, I'd easily classify Kodiak's self titled debut as the most emotion-rich drone I've heard; which is quite an achievement considering it's no more than just deep guitars and drums.

Recommended if:
Becoming tearful over the glory of dredging guitars makes you feel whole.

Similar:
Earth, Khanate, Hyatari

Homepage: www.denovali.com/kodiak
Myspace: www.myspace.com/kodiakdoom
Last.fm: www.last.fm/music/Kodiak

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