The Great Old Ones’ Kadath: A Heavier, Riff-driven Evolution
The Great Old Ones have long been associated wiht the post-black metal scene, but their latest album, Kadath, challenges this categorization. While their earlier works, like 2017’s EOD, leaned heavily on space-y tremolo riffs, 2019’s Cosmicism marked a shift toward a more progressive and visceral sound. With Kadath, the band has taken another evolutionary leap, delivering a riffier, more technically immediate record that defies the “post” label entirely.
The album’s heavier approach is promptly apparent, with Kadath showcasing a denser, more textured sound.As with their previous works, the record is deeply atmospheric, with layers of reverb-drenched guitars creating an otherworldly feel. The opener, “Me, the Dreamer,” exemplifies this balance, blending unpredictable shifts with influences ranging from Immortal to Blood Incantation. This track sets the tone for an album that explores a wider variety of styles, including death metal heft and even gothic rock, as seen in “In the Mouth of Madness.”
For newcomers to The Great Old Ones, Kadath serves as an ideal entry point. Its riff-forward nature and diverse influences make it more accessible than their earlier, more atmospheric works. Though, this shift has also sparked mixed reactions. While the album is undeniably enjoyable, it lacks the hypnotic immersion of EOD and Cosmicism.Tracks like the fifteen-minute “Leng” are beautiful but struggle to cohesively link their disparate sections. Similarly,“Astral Void (End of the Dream)” relies on straightforward structures that lack the rhythmic bite and compelling atmosphere of their best work.
Despite these criticisms,Kadath remains a solid addition to The Great Old Ones’ discography. Its heavier, more immediate sound is a bold step forward, even if it doesn’t fully recapture the magic of their earlier albums.
| Key Highlights of Kadath |
|——————————–|
| Genre Evolution: Moves beyond post-black metal, incorporating death metal and gothic rock influences. |
| Atmosphere: Maintains the band’s signature reverb-drenched, otherworldly sound. |
| Standout Tracks: “Me, the Dreamer,” “In the Mouth of Madness.” |
| Critique: Lacks the hypnotic immersion of EOD and Cosmicism. |
For those eager to experience Kadath, the album is available for streaming on Bandcamp. Dive into The Great Old Ones’ latest evolution and decide for yourself whether this heavier approach was worth the weight.The Great Old Ones’ New Album Kadath: A Shift in Rhythm and Sound
The French black metal ensemble The great Old Ones has returned with their latest offering, Kadath, but not without noticeable changes. The departure of drummer Léo Isnard, described as “one of my favorite drummers in black metal,” has left a palpable void in the band’s signature sound. While new drummer Julian Deana delivers technically flawless performances, the rhythmic philosophy of Kadath feels more reactive and less adventurous compared to the band’s previous works.
Deana’s contributions shine in tracks like “Under the Sign of Koth,” where power metal-inspired double bass drives elevate the song to one of the album’s highlights. However, the drumming on Kadath lacks the proactive shaping of music that characterized past releases. “deana’s performances are flawless and wholly extraordinary on a technical level,but this seemingly unintentional shift in rhythmic philosophy has,for me,altered the shape of the band’s music,” the review notes.
Production choices also play a role in Kadath’s distinct sound. The album’s mix is muddier than its predecessor, with low-end riffs often blending together. While this obscurity aligns with The Great Old Ones’ atmospheric aesthetic, it occasionally detracts from the clarity of the music.
Despite these critiques,Kadath remains a strong addition to the band’s discography. The album’s atmospheric depth and thematic richness continue to captivate listeners, even as the lineup shift and production choices mark a new chapter for the band.| Key Highlights of Kadath_ |
|———————————-|
| New Drummer: Julian Deana replaces Léo Isnard, bringing technical precision but a more reactive style. |
| Standout Track: “Under the Sign of Koth” features power metal-inspired drumming. |
| production: Muddier mix with low-end riffs that occasionally blur together. |
| Overall Impact: A shift in rhythmic philosophy alters the band’s sound, but the album retains its atmospheric depth. |
For fans of The Great Old Ones, Kadath* offers a fresh yet familiar journey into the band’s Lovecraftian universe. While the changes may take some getting used to, the album’s strengths ensure it remains a worthy listen. Explore more about the band’s evolution in their previous works here.The Great Old Ones’ Kadath: A Bold Yet Divisive Cosmic Journey
French black metal innovators The Great Old Ones have returned with their latest offering, Kadath, a record that continues their exploration of cosmic horror and intricate soundscapes. released on January 24th, 2025, under the esteemed Season of Mist label, the album has sparked both admiration and debate among fans and critics alike.
While the band’s signature blend of black metal riffing and atmospheric storytelling remains intact, Kadath represents a bold pivot in their artistic direction. As one reviewer notes, “Make no mistake: Kadath is a frequently captivating marriage of black metal riff craft and distinct artistic intent that could only come from The Great Old Ones.” Though, the album’s aspiring choices have also led to mixed reactions, with some feeling it falls short of the band’s previous heights.
The reviewer elaborates, “I’m not in love with all of its choices, but I’d rather this band present me with an ambitious pivot such as this over a hypothetical Cosmicism II.” This sentiment underscores the band’s willingness to take risks,even if it means alienating some listeners.
Key Highlights of Kadath
Table of Contents
- Exploring Kadath: An Interview with The Great Old Ones
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- editor: The band’s sound on Kadath feels like a departure from previous albums. What inspired this shift in style?
- Editor: The production on Kadath has been described as “muddier,” with low-end riffs occasionally blurring together. Was this intentional?
- Editor: “Under the Sign of Koth” has been highlighted as a standout track. Can you share more about its creation?
- Editor: Some fans have expressed mixed feelings about Kadath. How do you respond to those critiques?
- Editor: The album’s overall impact has been described as a “shift in rhythmic philosophy.” can you elaborate on that?
- Editor: What can fans expect from Kadath if they’re new to your music?
- Editor: Where can fans find kadath and explore more about the band?
- Conclusion
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Here’s a quick breakdown of the album’s essential details:
| Aspect | Details |
|———————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Rating | 3.0/5.0 |
| Dynamic Range (DR) | 7 |
| Format Reviewed | 320 kb/s mp3 |
| Label | Season of Mist |
| Release Date | January 24th, 2025 |
A Band Unafraid to Evolve
The Great Old Ones have long been celebrated for their ability to weave Lovecraftian themes into their music, creating a unique blend of black metal and cosmic horror.With kadath, they continue to push boundaries, even if the results are polarizing. The album’s strengths lie in its intricate compositions and atmospheric depth,but its deviations from the band’s established sound have left some fans yearning for the familiarity of past works.
For those eager to explore kadath firsthand,the album is available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp and the band’s official website.
Final Thoughts
Kadath is a testament to The Great Old Ones’ commitment to artistic evolution. While it may not resonate with everyone, its boldness and creativity are undeniable. As the reviewer aptly puts it, “Kadath merely fails to live up to my personal expectations of what I’ve come to expect from this band, and as such, its shortcomings feel all the more glaring.”
For fans of atmospheric black metal and cosmic storytelling, kadath is a journey worth taking—even if it’s not without its bumps along the way.Dive into the album and decide for yourself whether this ambitious pivot pays off.
Exploring Kadath: An Interview with The Great Old Ones
editor: The band’s sound on Kadath feels like a departure from previous albums. What inspired this shift in style?
Guest: We’ve always been driven by the desire to evolve and explore new sonic territories. With Kadath, we wanted to challenge ourselves and our audience by incorporating elements like power metal-inspired drumming and a more reactive rhythmic philosophy. The goal was to push the boundaries of what we could create within the framework of our Lovecraftian universe.
Editor: The production on Kadath has been described as “muddier,” with low-end riffs occasionally blurring together. Was this intentional?
guest: Yes, absolutely. The production was designed to create a dense, suffocating atmosphere that mirrors the themes of cosmic horror we explore in our music. We wanted the low-end riffs to feel massive and overwhelming, like the vast, unknowable entities in H.P. Lovecraft’s stories.While it may not be as clean as our previous works, it serves the album’s atmosphere and emotional weight.
Guest: “Under the Sign of Koth” was one of the first tracks we wrote for Kadath, and it set the tone for the entire album. The power metal-inspired drumming was a conscious choice to add a sense of urgency and grandeur to the track.We wanted it to feel epic and relentless, like a journey through the unknown. it’s a perfect example of how we’re blending new influences with our signature sound.
Editor: Some fans have expressed mixed feelings about Kadath. How do you respond to those critiques?
Guest: We understand that not every fan will resonate with the changes we’ve made.However, we believe that artistic growth requires taking risks. We’ve always been a band that values experimentation, and Kadath is a reflection of that philosophy. While it may not be everyone’s favorite, we’re proud of the album and the journey it represents.
Editor: The album’s overall impact has been described as a “shift in rhythmic philosophy.” can you elaborate on that?
Guest: Rhythmic experimentation was a key focus for us on this album. We wanted to move away from conventional black metal structures and explore more dynamic, reactive rhythms. This shift allows the music to breathe in new ways and creates a sense of unpredictability. It’s a departure from what we’ve done before, but it adds a fresh layer of complexity to our sound.
Editor: What can fans expect from Kadath if they’re new to your music?
Guest: For new listeners, Kadath offers a unique journey into our Lovecraftian universe. It’s an album that balances intricate compositions with atmospheric depth, creating a sense of immersion that’s both haunting and captivating. Whether you’re drawn to the black metal riffing or the cosmic storytelling, there’s something here for anyone who appreciates dark, atmospheric music.
Editor: Where can fans find kadath and explore more about the band?
Guest: Fans can stream and purchase Kadath on Bandcamp or visit our official website for more about our evolution and previous works. We’re grateful for the support and can’t wait to here what everyone thinks of the album.
Conclusion
In this insightful interview, The Great Old Ones delve into the creative process behind their latest album, Kadath. From its bold stylistic shifts to its atmospheric depth, the album showcases the band’s commitment to evolution and experimentation. While it may be divisive, Kadath is a testament to their artistic vision and willingness to push the boundaries of their sound. Dive into the album to experience this aspiring cosmic journey for yourself.
