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Bands are listed alphabetically, with individuals listed by last name.

Review Archive: K

K.A. - Close-Up · demo
Energetic blend of beefy Thrash mixed with some modern Metalcore and traditional Metal elements from this French outfit. The vocalist has an abrasive but understandable Thrash bark, which at its most strained reminds me of Phil Anselmo which is bad. Not bad as in cool, I mean bad as in crossing the fucking streams. Occasionally he will dig down deep for a Death growl which makes up for it slightly, but is not a total redemption. Musically this is good, it’s at least rhythmically interesting, and 90% of the time the vocals are more than tolerable, but the stain of PANTERA soils deep even in minuscule doses. It keeps me from appreciating this fully. - 8.25 - <Jack>
www.brutalka.com

KABAK - Thirty Weeks of Defecation · American Line
KABAK play relentless, although straight-forward, Death Metal. This album is hampered by an unflattering production, but at least it's too bassy, rather than too thin. Some of the riffs are truly awesome, I mean my ass was soundly kicked. Sadly, other riffs are very basic, almost textbook examples of Death Metal guitar playing. Likewise on both counts with the drumming. Concentrating on only the best riffs and using a better studio (a difficult, if not impossible, task in Mexico, I know) would result in a world-beating release. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

KAFFEINE - Unworthy · DEMO
Where to start? This is a two man band with no drummer of any kind. Yes, you read correctly, none of the songs have drums - just guitar and vocals. It is claimed that someone plays bass, but I can't hear it. In fact, it's extremely difficult to hear anything at all, since the level is nearly off the bottom of the scale. This is the worst "jam box" recording I've ever heard, and the music is at about the same level. This had got to be a joke. - 1 - <Ray> **MC10**

KALISIA - Skies · DEMO
Very emotional, technically complex Death. There are some Doom & Thrash elements to be found, as well as the occasional keyboard and female vocal. The great production heightens the already overwhelming power of these songs. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

KALMAH - Swampsong · Spinefarm / Century Media
It's nothing that you haven't heard a few dozen times before, but this thoroughly modern melodic Euro Death / Thrash is pretty good. It's got the keyboards, fast drumming, and ultra-slick production that are requisite for this sub-genre, but unfortunately not much else to give the band an identity of its own. - 7.5 - <Ray>

KALMEX AND THE RIFFMERCHANTS - Electric Bukkake · Intolerant Messiah
Poorly produced schizophrenic lunacy, and not even the good kind. The band has played seven different musical styles 2:32 into the first song, all badly I might add. Recommended if you like listening to bored alcoholics fucking around. - 1 - <Jack>

KALOPSIA - Exquisite Beauty of the Defiled · demo
Decent Old School Death Metal from New Jersey. A slight INTERNAL BLEEDING feel with a few OBITUARY moments. The vocals definitely could use more punch, but overall, this is probably about as excited as I’m going to get over a CD-R in a plastic sleeve with a photocopied piece of paper as an insert. - 8 - <Jack>
www.kalopsia.org

KAMELOT - Karma · Noise
True Power Metal fans take note: The vocals on this album are just far too sappy and wimpy for their own good and pretty much ruin this for me, but musically this is excellent. - 7 - <Ray>

KAMPFAR - Fra Underverdenen · Hammerheart
Now this is more like it! After shelling out way too fucking much for this band's previous EP, I'm pleasantly relieved to find that the new full-length is much more reasonably priced. The EP had three songs and clocked in at about 12 minutes or so. This album has six songs and clocks in at roughly 40 minutes. You literally get close to 25 more minutes of music for an additional $3. As for the music, Fra Underverdenen continues along the same path as Norse. KAMPFAR uses a little more keyboards and such on this album but the style and the feeling are the same. The production is a little better but on the whole, everything sounds similar to what was on display before. The songs are memorable and remind me strongly of the band FALKENBACH but without all the clean vocals. These guys are proud to be Norse/Germanic and it shows. If you have a choice, buy this instead of the Norse EP - it's more economical and the songs are just as good. As a matter of fact, the song "Norse" is on this CD too so you won't be missing much if you pass on the EP. - 8.5 - <Ychoril>

KAOS - New Creation · DEMO
KAOS are a Thrash band, with some Death and Hardcore elements thrown in. The music is fast and mean. The guitar work of Tom Lettier and Joe Loescher is interesting. Josh Valdez’s vocals are screams with some raw growls added for fun. This is a professional looking (and sounding) tape which includes the lyrics and has a color cover. New Creation is recommended. - 8 - <Ray> **MC4**

KAOS - Vision Beyond · demo
Behind the walls of Christ, the hypocrites recite songs to glorify their king who died in vain. They betray the holy son, extinguishing his light. Their greed and their desire have torn him from his cross. They look down upon us as their God looks down upon them and sees them for what they are. Devoted to their saints, and all their hails to Mary. Confessions show their weakness, pathetic show of faith. They ease their guilt through the Rosary. Their false display of pity condemns the God they praise. Their words of adoration spewing from their lips lie far from their hearts. Their insincere tears fall from lying eyes. They'll never see his kingdom. They'll burn with Jesus. - 1 - <Jack>
www.kaosamongus.com

KARMA TO BURN - Karma to Burn · Roadrunner
There was once a time when if I saw the Roadrunner name, I would assume that the band in question was very likely cool. That's all changed and now I am forced to accept the fact that the higher-ups at the label have gone completely insane. KARMA TO BURN are a tenth-rate "heavy" Alternative Groove band, and they might not be totally horrible as an instrumental unit, but these vocals range from an overdriven joke to pathetic. - 3 - <Ray> **MC10**

KARMAKANIC - Wheel of Life · Regain
This is bad news. Another album going nowhere. - 1.5 - <Jack>

KATAKLYSM - The Mystical Gate of Reincarnation EP Relapse / Nuclear Blast
Fuck! It's been a while since I heard vocal grunts like these - I mean, Sylvian growls the lyrics and then he also just sort of makes some sick noises. This is unbelievably intense, even when they slow down from Blast-speed, and amazingly heavy and brutal. Get this, just get this. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

KATAKLYSM - Sorcery · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
I admit that I was a little worried that this band would be able to keep the intensity up to this level for an entire LP, but they do it. Well, mostly. Okay, it's maybe slightly less insane than their The Mystical Gate. EP, but still, the vocals are totally Godzilla-like, and the music, when it momentarily calms down from "Hyper-Blast" mode, is thick and very heavy. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

KATAKLYSM - Temple of Knowledge · Nuclear Blast
Fans of this band's earlier Death/Grind will not be disappointed. There has been no wimping out. In fact there has been very little change at all, and a little growth is sometimes necessary to keep things interesting. So, although not in any way a bad release, this seems a bit stagnated. - 8 - <Ray> **MC10**

KATAKLYSM - Victims of this Fallen World · Hypnotic
I remember KATAKLYSM being better than this. Admittedly it’s been a while since I last spun one of their previous CDs, but this seems a little more "Hardcore" than I was ready for. It’s not bad, though. But sometimes when they’re blazing away, drums pumping out a ferocious blast, the riff gets too simple and repetitious, and ends up being boring. And sometimes the vocals venture dangerously close to "tough-guy" territory. But for all the parts I don’t like, there are more that I do. I suppose they were just trying out some new ideas, but you have to know when to not fix what’s not broken. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

KATAKLYSM - The Prophecy... · Nuclear Blast
Damn, these guys have really come back down to Earth. These are actual songs, with actual vocal patterns! Still it leaves a bit to be desired as far as sticking with you goes. I may be on crack, but this sort of reminds me of mid-career NAPALM DEATH, but hardly as unforgettable. I can handle about 10 minutes before the brutality becomes a narcolepsy-inducing drone. Everything this album has to offer is achieved in the first song. It's basically just the same shit every track. This band should just throw in the towel, or maybe come back with something different. - 7.75 - <Jack>

KATAKLYSM - Epic (The Poetry of War) · Nuclear Blast
About a thousand times better than the last KATAKLYSM record I remember hearing. The music stays consistently awesome, going from Thrashy Death to all out blasting Grind, and they actually use vocal patterns and melody this time. It's almost like a completely different band. By far the best thing this band has recorded since the almighty Mystical Gate of Reincarnation EP. - 9 - <Jack>

KATAKLYSM - In the Arms of Devastation · Nuclear Blast
I, for one, was disappointed after the solid Epic (The Poetry of War), the band’s best full length up to that point (coming eight long years after their debut EP in 1993), at the sterile attempt that was 2004’s Serenity in Fire. I had all but written them off as a lost cause, that is until now. Twelve years is a long time to wait for a band’s magnum opus, but better late than never. In the Arms of Devastation is a flawless album and easily the best thing Canada’s KATAKLYSM have ever put out. Produced by the band’s guitarist Jean Dagenais and mixed by guru Tue Madsen, the record’s sound is magnificent. What the "Kings of Northern Hyperblast" have lost in speed and insanity over the years, they have made up for with big riffs, catchy choruses, and memorable song structuring. There is not one filler moment that sneaks anywhere into these nine colossal cuts, and the melodies are rich. While the heaviness sweeps, swirls and slowly grinds, Maurizio Iacono’s bestial but intelligible roars collide with his demented witch cackling screams in a schizophrenic battle. He even trades off with KITTIE’s Morgan Lander on "It Turns to Rust," one of the album’s standout tracks. Then again, this LP is nothing but back-to-back standout tracks. This is simply everything a Death Metal album should be. It’s about god damn time they got it completely right! - 10 - <Jack>

KATATONIA - Jhva Elohim Meth... The Revival EP · Vic Records
This first release for Vic Records is fucking amazing. The combination of Death, Doom and Black Metal is very natural sounding here. All the atmosphere of Doom, but with faster parts. Always heavy and always truly Black. Vocally imagine Cronos singing for a Death band. That's not it exactly, but Lord Seth is that cool. This was recorded at Gorysound (AKA Unisound) by Dan Swano, so the sound quality and production are the best found anywhere. With the added bonus of costing only $10 for the CD, this becomes one of the most mandatory things I've ever heard. I'm really looking forward to hearing more from this band, and also from Vic, who apparently know exactly who to sign and are damn cool. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

KATATONIA - Brave Murder Day · Century Black/Avantgarde
Although this masterpiece is titled simply Brave Murder Day, all 4 tracks from their For Funerals to Come EP are also on this new Century Black version. For those of you somehow unfamiliar with the band, KATATONIA have perfected a combination of Black Metal, Doom and Death that is dispirited, heavy, technical, and memorable all at the same time. This occasionally reminds me of a more experimental, Black Metal, version of PARADISE LOST’s Gothic album with vastly superior production, and with about a decade to perfect everything & then improve upon it. Any of these ten songs could induce suicide, and after even a single listen, they will stick with you until you give in and rip open your wrists. I’m very glad to see that KATATONIA finally have a domestic release, but be warned that if you already have the imports, this offers nothing new, but Hell, when it’s perfect, you might need a second copy. - 10 - <Ray> **MC11**

KATATONIA - Sounds of Decay EP · Avantgarde
I have heard it said that KATATONIA is the best band to ever exist. While I’m not sure I’d agree with that (they’re on the short list, though), it would be insanity to not see the genius of the masters of melancholic Black Doom. The cover art for this, taken form the amazing film Begotten, puts this over the top. Get this or kill yourself. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say, get this and kill yourself. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

KAWIR - The Adored Cry of Olympus 7" · Darkside
These two songs show different sides of this band as certainly they are different sides of this EP. The first is slow, and atmospheric, with a loud bass-line and keyboards, reminding me a bit of some other Greek Black Metal bands. The second track is faster, with a feel not unlike that of perhaps DARK THRONE. It also has the most pained screams I've heard in a long time at its end. It's odd to mention only Black Metal bands in comparison to KAWIR, since their lyrics (at least on these 2 cuts) are from Greek legends ("Zeus rains upon us."), but their sound (and corpse-paint) are all Black Metal. So what makes a band Black Metal? The sound? The lyrics? The image? As long as they write music as incredible as this, who cares what kind of Metal you call it! - 10 - <Ray> **MC10**

KEEP OF KALESSIN - Skygger Av Sorg · DEMO
The slow, atmospheric Black Metal masterfully played by this band is truly haunting, and gives them a very unique aural identity. They do speed up occasionally, which more or less costs them their individuality. But for the most part, the ominous KEEP of K. stick to their uniquely evil dirges. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

KEEP OF KALESSIN - Through Times of War · Avantgarde
God fucking damn! I’d put this evil work of art up against EMPEROR, CRADLE OF FILTH, or any other goat-fuckers you care to mention. KEEP OF K. have several advantages that many of their diabolic brethren don’t: They are very skilled players, and the excellent production really highlights their skill. Their Thrash, Death, and Doom Metal influences may be pretty apparent, but they are also extremely natural. Although they play very fast sometimes (well, a lot really), the riffs never get buried beneath the blazing drums. And what riffs they are! Very memorable stuff, indeed. Their use of keyboards is - I’m tempted to use the word "tasteful" here, but maybe "understated" is better. They’re so fully integrated into the music, that you almost don’t notice them at first, but they certainly add to the crushing weight of this slab of Hell. I could go on for pages, but I’ll stop with a final comment on the excellent vox, as they are not exactly what is considered normal for Black Metal these days. They’re actually more Death Metal influenced, since they are low and raspy, but strangely understandable. Not that I dislike "screechy" vocals when done well, but having a more distinct vocal style helps the band to stand out from the rest of the evil hordes. I’m ignoring the goofy "hidden" final track (which I’m assuming wasn’t meant to be taken seriously), & suggest that you do, too. Do yourself a favor and seek this out. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

KEEP OF KALESSIN - Agnen (A Journey Through the Dark) · Avantgarde / Mercenary / WWIII
This is KEEP OF KALESSIN's second full-length album and this Norse horde has apparently gotten quite aggressive over the last year or so. This is brutal, direct and with few flourishes. There are moments of diversity (clean vocals, synth and a little atmosphere) but this is predominantly Black Fucking Metal in the vein of DARK FUNERAL/SETHERIAL or older IMMORTAL (in terms of speed). That means whirlwind guitars and hyperblasting drums. The guitars were kind of thin but I'm not sure that a thicker or deeper tone would have helped this band out much. When playing at DARK FUNERAL or SETHERIAL speeds, a deeper tone tends to muddy up the sound and the riffs become a blur of distortion and are less defined. With this sound, you can make out the individual riffs but the whole thing comes out a bit thin and treble dominant. The bass is loud and though it isn't clearly audible (it follows the guitar), there are times when it does stand out. I found that the atmospheric parts were fewer and farther between than their last album, which I thought detracted from the band's individuality. This sounds a whole lot like something DARK FUNERAL or SETHERIAL would release. KEEP OF KALESSIN is a good band. They can write songs that hit hard and leave no survivors. Their playing is so tight that it's amazing. The bad news is that their songs all end up sounding the same after a while. They do little to diversify their sound and that hurts them. This album doesn't suck but it falls into the same trap that a lot of bands end up in - lack of identity. If they can find a style that is uniquely their own, this band will be one of the top players in the world Black Metal scene. Until then, they will only be contenders. - 8 - <Ychoril>

KEMET - Pieces... · DEMO (CD)
For the most part, this 30 minute disc is fairly awesome sorrowful Black Doom. Every now and then they sort of speed things up a little bit, which only serves to destroy the depression. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen often. They have some other rough spots here and there, but I think KEMET are well on their way, and a little more time to perfect things is all they need. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

KENMORES - Umbrella · DEMO
This three song demo is different, I'll give 'em that. The vocalist ranges from reminding me of James Hetfield to the guy from INDESTROY to the dude from MINISTRY. Musically, the range is even larger. These guys are not afraid to sound heavy, but they also try a lot of other stuff. Fortunately they use a lot of double bass, so that helps to tie it all together. Imagine combining INDESTROY, MINISTRY, BIG BLACK, DEAD HORSE, LARD, and a little METALLICA, with really good production (awesome, considering it was done on a four track)- the result would be something like this demo. Very original and interesting, but it tends to occasionally drag on a bit to long. Lyrics are included in a small booklet. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC6**

KENZINER - Timescape · Leviathan
Fuck me! Another guitar-stroke album! I must have been a very bad person in another life to get so many of these solo-o-rama, wank-off CDs to review. I’ll get you, Ray. I promise. This "band" features David T. Chastain’s little guitar progeny, Jaro Keskinen (who is completely gender-impaired in this creepy photo - is he/she a hermaphrodite?). Lots of solos, lots of 80’s era mid-tempo riffing, lots of vocals that would make any of Yngwie Malmsteen’s vocalists demand royalties, and lots of yawns on my part make this 70 minutes of my life I’d like to get back please. - 6 - <Brainhammer> **MC12**

KENZINER - The Prophecies · Leviathan Records
Adrenaline-fueled Neoclassical Power Metal in the vein of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and STRATOVARIUS. The Prophecies is packed with exciting, awe-inspiring songs that bring out the high level of musical talent these Finlanders possess. Jarno Keskinen is destined to become a guitar hero. His solos are insane! They are not the sole focus of this release, however. Indeed, the contributions of everyone in this band help to make this album so incredible. Mikko Harkin backs Jarno's riffs with some impressive keyboard work. Vocalist Stephen Fredrick has an extremely powerful delivery and range. And drummer Brian Harris provides an armor-plated back-bone for the band. All 10 tracks on The Prophecies are well-crafted and performed with unwavering skill. KENZINER are sure to make their presence felt for years to come! - 9 - <Painkiller>

KHANATE - Khanate · Southern Lord
After an eternity of feedback, distortion and other noises, I wasn't sure if this CD was playing of if my ancient player finally gave up and died. As it turns out, I wish it would have, since that would have spared me the pain of listening to this minimalistic stoned-out Sludge mess. The music, what little of it the band even bothers to produce amid the cacophony of overdriven squawks, is nothing short of mind numbingly banal in its extreme simplicity. And then we get to the vocals... I'm sure the idea is to sound tortured and miserable, which I certainly was while listening, but otherwise this entire disc is just an ounce of plastic crap. - 2 - <Ray>

KHOLD - Masterpiss of Pain · Moonfog
You're going to read lots of hype about this band. About how it's a modern Black Metal masterpiece and such drivel. Pay no mind. Either those clowns just really like the album cover, or Moonfog took an ad. What this band really is: a half-ass DARKTHRONE clone offering nothing new or special. Repeated listens only lead to excessive napping. Boredom enshrined. - 5 - <Jack>

KHOLD - Morke Gravers Kammer · Candlelight
Sometimes rip-off bands don't bother me a bit. It's weird but it's true. Somebody rips off KATATONIA, they got my money in the bank. You want to rip off DISMEMBER or POISON THE WELL, I'm a happy guy. You know how many CDs in my collection can be compared to AT THE GATES? The numbers are staggering! But for whatever reason, this total DARK THRONE clone just doesn't sit well with me. Maybe it's because when I hear DARK THRONE, I hear the pain, the agony, the icy grim. But when I hear KHOLD, I simply hear a band in love with DARK THRONE. It's all very confusing. The bottom line is that my spots were not hit. But who the fuck am I anyway? - 6 - <Jack>

KID ROCK - Fire it Up EP · Continuum
KID ROCK's blending of Rock and Rap takes what was started by the BEASTIE BOYS to a new level. But only when he uses it, as he does on "I am the Bullgod." I'm sure it would displease his Hardcore Rap fans, but I'd like it a lot more if he were to use the Metal elements all the time. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

KID ROCK - The Polyfuze Method · Continuum
Very stupid pro-acid, Max Headroom-esque, spoken word intro. It picks up considerably when the guitar kicks in. Really, the blending of the Gansta-style Rap and more Metal elements works pretty well for the Kid. It comes off a bit like the BEASTIE BOYS. When he does it. The more straight forward Rap elements detract from the overall effect. As does the excessive use of samples. Some are very effective, while some are pure shit. Oh yeah, I think the word "fuck" is said about fifty-million times on this CD, so that's something. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

KILARA - 175 millimeters · Thunder Lizard
These guys have a thick, bass-heavy sound, that reminds me quite a bit of UNSANE. Their implementation of disturbing screechy vocals, lots of feedback, big avalanches of heavily distorted guitars, oddly audible bass, and unrelenting drums make this a release to get, as far as I'm concerned. Hopefully a full length is on the way soon. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

KILARA - The Funeral Fix · Rhetoric
Feedback seems to be the main element on this album. So are heavy, repetitive guitar riffs and bass lines. The vocals are full of the same trendy screams and growls with a hint of distortion. It is a step above "Alternative Metal," but not by much. Another dead end. - 4 - <ANG> **MC11**

KILFAST - Tragedy Essential · Epoxy and Duct Tape Solution
For a band that is virtually unknown, KILFAST play a style of Extreme Metal that is both commendably unique and completely impossible to categorize. But, I have to try. For starters, this band is able to achieve an Industrial vibe without use of a single synth or effect. It is their uncanny ability to create mechanical-sounding rhythms that utilize a sort of angular groove which gives them a GODFLESH Streetcleaner or old FEAR FACTORY quality. Some of these pounding start-stop riffs would not sound out of place on a Metalcore record, but a compound of hellish screaming and guttural Death growls, not to mention a diabolically heavy guitar sound, insures this album safely within the realm where only the most brutal may dwell. As far as flaws go, there aren't too many. The production could be better, and the cover art is pretty lame, but musically and lyrically (a team-up of emotional venting and Christ defamation), the presentation is damn sharp. I wish I could give you a better description, but I can honestly say that KILFAST are unlike anything I've ever heard before. Then again, that may be the most fitting and complimentary description of all. - 9.25 - <Jack>

KILL 2 THIS - Mass Down Sin Drone · Loudspeaker
This is the gayest shit I have ever heard in my entire life. - 1 - <Jack>

KILLENGOD - Into the Ancient Moon · Warhead
Here’s a "dark" synth intro that I actually like. I can’t believe it! And then they unleash a cool sample ("There is no god!") right before the intense, somewhat Thrashy, Death Metal kicks in. This is how it should be done. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

KILLER KHAN - Kill Devil Hills · DEMO (CD)
Well, you can hear the Ozzy influence. In fact, this sounds quite a lot like the stuff the old madman might have rejected while working on Bark at the Moon. So, the music is sort of okay, I guess. But the vocals are even more nasal and whiny than Mr. Osbourne has ever been, which is pretty bad. - 6 - <Ray> **MC12**

KILLERS - Menace to Society · Metal Blade
Weird. I guess Metal Blade got the master tape for this mixed up with some PANTERA album, because this cannot be the same guy who used to sing for IRON MAIDEN. It's obviously some sort of horrible mistake. At least, I hope so. - 2 - <Ray> **MC9**

KILLGORE SMUDGE - A Search for Reason · Revolution
These guys have one thing going for them, they think MTV is stupid. Good boys. But then again, bad boys. Using too much of that groove oriented Metal to base your songs around. This album sort of reaches for moments achieved by older CLUTCH, FAITH NO MORE, or maybe HELMET, but never achieves them. And they make a point to credit Burton Bell of FEAR FACTORY on one track where it doesn’t sound like he contributes much really, if that tells you anything. Strained vocals with "sweet" choruses. There certainly is a market for this type of music, and I’m sure some people out there might find value in it, but right now I search for reason to give it a good review. How many times can you stick the phrase, "I’m still alive," in an album. Um, no. - 4.25 - <BOB> **MC11**

KILLGORE - A Search for Reason · Revolution
Formerly known as KILLGORE SMUDGE, and as just as terrible. - 4 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

KILLING MACHINE - Killing Machine · Candlelight
This is sort of an old-style combination of Thrash music with a more Power Metal approach to the vocals. You just don't hear that every day anymore, and I can respect them for taking this approach. But this is exactly why vocals started to become more brutal in the first place, and that's almost all I can think about when listening to this, even though it is good as is. - 7.75 - <Ray>

KILLING SPREE - Terror From Beyond Space · Napalm
PRODIGY + MACHINE HEAD. With aliens, too. - 5.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

KILLPOWER - Catalyptic World · DEMO
It says in their press kit that this demo has nine songs, something must have happened to the other five, ‘cause my copy only has four. I’m not sure what the deal is here. Anyway the four songs that I do have are fucking great. KILLPOWER combines WEHRMACHT like speed with vocals akin to Death style raw growls, but not quite that raw. Imagine WEHRMACHT, RIGOR MORTIS and DEATH with some S.O.D. thrown in. That’s sort of the right sound to describe KILLPOWER. The band’s members are: Brian Finuacane (lead vocals, lead guitars), Joe Delehanty (lead guitars), John Gillespie (bass) and Rob Cadiz (drums). Even with only four songs (which is usual for demos anyway) Catalyptic World is worth having. All of the songs are great and played well. I just wonder what happened to the other tracks... - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC3**

KINDRED IDOL - Conscious in the Mudvein · Dead Planet
They play a sludgy type of Metal, that occasionally takes on a PANTERA-like "tough-guy" feel, or employs an annoying machine noise. There are a few interesting parts, but the lame shit outweighs them by a damn sight. - 6.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

KINETIC DISSENT - I Will Fight No More Forever · RoadRacer
First of all, I have a couple of complaints: 1. The bassist, Troy, is good, but his bass sound makes TESTAMENT sound like CARCASS. 2. It sounds like they wanted to be a combination of DEATH ANGEL (as of Act III) and D.A.M. They just don't quite pull it off. I have heard all this stuff before. I mean, yes, it's played really well and Dwight's vocals fit the Thrashy style of the music, but it all sounds really unoriginal. However, all the guys are good at what they do and this stuff is pretty catchy. Above average Thrash, with smoothly sung vocals and a pussy bass sound. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC6**

KING DIAMOND - The Eye · Roadracer
If you are already a fan of KING DIAMOND, no need to read any further, go out and pick up The Eye. Still with me? Okay. On this album, which is another loose concept LP, King makes extensive use of keyboards especially on the track "Two Little Girls." And if you don’t know, King’s vocal style is something of an acquired taste: he either sings high or low, no real middle sound. Other than the keyboards and King’s vocals, this album is impressive. All the members of KING DIAMOND are excellent players, and Andy La Rocque’s guitar work is especially stunning. The Eye is a powerful and haunting album, and the lyrics deal with very brutal subjects, including (but not limited to) the crucifixion of an infant, and are all related to King’s Magic Eye and Father Picard. The advance copy I received didn’t have the lyrics, so I’m afraid that a lot of the plot has been lost to me. A lyric sheet would be a great help. The songs are all memorable, but I’m just not used to King’s vocals and I don’t care too much for the keyboards. - 7.5 - <Ray>
{To those familiar with my band’s (ADVERSARY) first album, The Winter’s Harvest, the anti-keyboard sentiment in this review may seem hypocritical. But just as King Diamond made me respect, and grow to worship, his unique vocal style, he also made me understand that keyboards can be used in a strong, powerful way. The Eye opened my ears, you might say, and has become my favorite of King’s solo albums, and one of my favorites of all time. Of all the reviews I’ve ever written, this one was probably the most off the mark.} **MC3**

KING DIAMOND / MERCYFUL FATE - A Dangerous Meeting · Roadrunner
Cool compilation showcasing the long career of King. All the tracks are available elsewhere, so this is more useful as an introduction to KING DIAMOND (or for those who must have everything), than anything else. If you want to find out about this band, this 17 track comp. is the way to go. For the most part, all the great tracks are here, but a noticeable bunch are missing... Oh well, can't have it all. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

KING DIAMOND - The Spider's Lullabye · Metal Blade
King never seems to run out of ideas. Although I don't have the lyrics, I'm pretty sure that this is another concept album, or at least part of it is. I've only listened to it about 10 times so far, but I only got it yesterday. I just had to review it right away. Oh yeah, the review: It's amazing. It's beyond amazing. It's beyond everything. I hope everyone reading this knows who King Diamond is, because I refuse to explain that. The musicianship and songwriting are flawless, as is the production. I'm glad to know that the King will never let me down. - 10 - <Ray> **MC9**

KING DIAMOND - The Graveyard · Metal Blade
King is one sick bastard. I won't ruin the story of this concept album for you, but rest assured that it's worthy of the King. Musically, of course, this is untouchable, which is only to be expected. The really odd thing about this, is King's vocals; he stays mostly mid-ranged. That's not to say that he has abandoned his trademarked falsetto, but I was ready to hear it a bit more often. Anyway, a few of the tracks on here, such as the stunning "Heads on the Wall," are among the best King has even been involved with, and if I have to explain what that means, then you've got no business reading Metal Curse. The remainder of the tracks are up the extremely high standard you expect from the King, which is to say that most other bands have dreams about writing such material. There is absolutely no excuse for not owning this! - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

KING DIAMOND - Voodoo · Metal Blade
A new KING DIAMOND album, and a new horror story told. My review copy didn’t come with a lyric sheet, so I can only guess as to the depravities contained herein. This "grows on me" more with every listen, but I still don’t like it quite as well as King’s other solo stuff. As one would expect, the playing on this album is stunning, and Mr. Diamond’s shrill vocals are flawless as usual - perhaps a bit less "restrained" than on The Graveyard. The King will never let us down. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

KING DIAMOND - House of God · Metal Blade
What can you say about KING DIAMOND that hasn't already been said? He's yet to put out an album that is a dud, but at the same time, he's put out a few albums that just didn't totally live up to the usual high KING DIAMOND standards that his fans have set for him over the years. Yes, this is another concept album with another freaky story that is creepy and evil, just like all the others. One thing that bothered me about this album was the fact that I kept riff picking. Face it, when I'm singing along to one of your songs but using lyrics from a completely different song, that's always bad. In the case of House of God, it was a case of singing KING DIAMOND songs to KING DIAMOND's music, but the songs that I was singing came from other KING DIAMOND albums, not this one! Yes, King has fallen into the "rehashing riffs from previous albums" syndrome. Don't get me wrong, I still like this album. The nagging thoughts that I heard this or that passage really annoyed me, though. The packaging sort of made up a little of the lost ground in the songwriting department, but cool packaging only goes so far. When you include a subliminal "denying the cross" piece of artwork, I have to give bonus points. For those who haven't seen the album artwork, the back panel of the CD case has a picture of christ on the cross. In order to read the song titles, you have to turn the thing upside down. In doing so, you invert the cross. Cool, huh? I sure thought so. A solid release from the King, but it sure isn't as godly as Abigail (still the best KING DIAMOND album, as far as I'm concerned, though Voodoo came close). - 8.75 - <Ychoril>

KING DIAMOND & BLACK ROSE - 20 Years Ago: A Night of Rehearsal · Metal Blade
I'm always happy to hear any new stuff from King, but I just don't know how to take this. Apparently this is some ancient rehearsal of BLACK ROSE, the band King was in before he came to his senses and formed MERCYFUL FATE. Considering that is was recorded live with just a few mics in their rehearsal space, and then sat in a closet or whatever for about two decades, sonically it's fairly amazing. Stylistically speaking, this is energetic Hard Rock that owes more-than-a-little to early DEEP PURPLE, right down to some Jon Lord-worshipping keyboard parts. We're also treated to an interesting cover of "Radar Love," and liner notes by King himself. Really, it's not so bad, but I'm not sure exactly how "essential" listening this is. Still, whatever Metal Blade's charging for this has got to be less than the bootleg price, so that's nice for those of us who have to have everything. Assigning a numerical rating to something like this is tough... - 7.75 - <Ray>

KING DIAMOND AND BLACK ROSE - Twenty Years Ago - A Night Of Rehearsal · Metal Blade
Once again, King returns with another "for the fans" release. I sometimes wonder if this isn't a cash-in, much in the way a lot of the old MERCYFUL FATE stuff was released years ago in album form called Return of the Vampire. Anyway, musically, this is very Rock and Roll sounding compared to what MERCYFUL FATE eventually ended up sounding like years later. According to the liner notes, King says that BLACK ROSE was very much influenced by bands such as DEEP PURPLE and GOLDEN EARRING at the time and that really shows through in the music. The patented King Diamond style of vocals makes brief appearances here and there during this rehearsal and in some ways, this shows the direction that FATE and even King's own solo work would come from. For a rehearsal that was recorded 20 years ago, this actually sounds pretty good. And on top of all that, it has the added bonus of being something that your parent's won't freak out over - even if it is King Diamond! It might not be Metal but it's some kick ass music nonetheless. - 9 - <Ychoril>

KING DIAMOND - Abigail II: The Revenge · Metal Blade
If ever there were a review I didn't want to write, this is it. I'm sure that King eventually got tired of hearing how awesome and inspirational the original Abigail album is, and how he's never really been able to recapture that magic. It's a shame that he didn't talk to me, because I don't believe that for a minute. Yes, Abigail is a flawless classic, but it's not untouchable! What about Conspiracy, Them, Fatal Portrait, The Eye, or The Spider's Lullabye?!? And that's not even mentioning MERCYFUL FATE at all! So, I really wish that King hadn't tried to hard to prove that he really could make Abigail II any time he felt like it, because this album is the least-great thing he's ever done, and I attribute that to just trying too hard. And this album isn't terrible, but it's just not up to King's usual high standards - even those of the last couple albums he's been involved with. King's normal songwriting strategy has been to have at least one soul-crushingly, mind-numbingly awesome part in each song, but those are not to be found here. "So we made the deal, under the starry night and Amon belongs to Them now." From a lesser man (after all, the King Diamond band are just hired guns these days), this would be impressive, but from King Diamond? I am saddened. - 7.75 - <Ray>

KING HELL - King Hell · DEMO
Debut from this band. Aggressive, catchy and heavy. This is Thrash played right. While there are some obvious influences in their music, I think KING HELL is better than a lot of the Thrash bands I've heard. This is a band to keep Thrash alive in the '90s. I hope they don't get lost in the shuffle. - 8.5 - <Gerry> **MC7**

KING'S X - Dogman · Atlantic
Surprisingly, this has a really thick, heavy production. Not all the songs really did that much for me, but a few were really great, including their cover of "Manic Depression." I'd say this is worth checking out, as long as you have an open mind. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

KING’S X - Tape Head · Metal Blade
After placating the members’ egos with a couple of solo albums, Metal Blade has finally released a new KING’S X disc. To quote their first song: "Welcome to the groove machine." That pretty much sums it up, except to say that, for once, the "groove" in question is sort of more like a thicker, heavier JIMI HENDRIX, than what is normally passed off as "groove" these days. So, that’s a plus. Tape Head is a pretty mellow release, but for what they do, KING’S X is hard to beat. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

KINGDOM OF DEAD - Kingdom of Dead · Magnetic Air
Bruce Corbitt, who some of you may remember from RIGOR MORTIS, lends his considerable vocal talents to 3 of these 12 songs, and although Greg's vocals are more Deathly, I like Bruce's better - I suppose because I was a huge RIGOR fan, and I'm just glad to hear he's still around. Anyway, musically this is kinda Thrashy, but with noticeable Death influences. Favorite song: "Flesh Eating Zombies." - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

SAM KINISON - Live from Hell · Priority
I hope they dig up some more of Sam's stuff, this is funny. The bit about the "gay Terminator" is worth the price alone. I assume he can get away with a lot more now that he is dead. That's really too bad, I'll bet he would have given a great interview. The only problem is that the CD is all one big track, but I guess that's okay. Check this out. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

KINRICK - Sense Your Darkness · Leviathan
A sadist Ass Metal/Bar Rock torture session. Chances are, if you’re digging this, you’re either gay or old... or both. - 1 - <Jack>

KITTIE - Spit · Artemis
The fact that these four girls recorded this album still in high school is impressive, which is more than many have achieved. And better to have more females aspire to intensity than candy coated Pop crap, but despite the Metal realm being mostly male dominated, it's still picky and fickle. The more you sound like UNLEASHED & EMTOMBED, err no, DEICIDE & DEATH, um I mean MAYHEM & CRADLE OF FILTH... Irregardless, I saw their live show at the Milwaukee Metalfest and was not impressed, but rather moved... Moved to do one thing. Leave. - 5 - <Bob>

KOAN - Frontiers · Red Stream
The strictly "ambient" parts of this are better, as far as I'm concerned. When they introduce percussion and vocals, it loses something for me. I guess I'll stick with ENDURA. - 7 - <Ray>

KOMA - Born to Be Great · Always
Fairly interesting rough-voiced speedy Thrash. Nothing new is going on, but these guys are talented and generally write catchy songs. They also have some elements of Doom and Death to give them a somewhat more unique sound. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

KONKHRA - Stranded · Progress Red
This six-song release is comprised of 3 new tracks and three from their 5-track Malgrowth demo. All the songs are brutal Death Metal, but the three new ones have somewhat heavier vox. To be honest, there are no faults to be found here. Good production, songwriting, ability and everything else. I do wish this had more songs, though. I can hardly wait for a full length album. Favorite track: "Spread Around." - 9 - <Ray> **MC7**

KONKHRA - Malgrowth · DEMO
As is natural, I get a lot of fast Death Metal to review, and these guys fit into that category, but they do try to do some different stuff, which I appreciate. Production-wise, this is excellent, as it is in all other ways. Don't pass this up. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

KONKHRA - Spit or Swallow · Progress / Pavement
Going from slow Doomy parts of immense heaviness, to intensely pulverizing speed, and often with a weird groove the whole way, this band has forged something of a unique identity within the infinite halls of Death. For the most part, the songs are easy to remember, powerful, and have a deadly, life-crushing feeling about them. Plus, there's a photo of a chick sucking a gun on the cover! - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

KONKHRA - Week Out the Week · Diehard
Add another to the ever growing list of bands James Murphy has joined. I wonder if he has already quit on them. Anyway, KONKHRA have further evolved down the groove laden highway of "new style" Euro Death. This is a combination of technical playing and knowing when to use simple riffs. It’s very aggressive, but in a more Thrash than Death sort of way. Perhaps this is what it would sound like if MACHINE HEAD tried to play Death Metal. It’s certainly not bad, although Murphy’s guitar work is honestly nothing too spectacular, and I appreciate them trying to forge a unique identity, but it simply didn’t kick my ass. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

KOROVAKILL - Waterhells · Red Stream
Yet another long intro. Wonderful. After 1:40 of wind and rain, this gets started and I was ready for total Black Thrash destruction. And that's just what I got for a few seconds until the vocals kicked in. End the use of so-called "clean" vocals in Extreme Metal! And then we have the Industrial elements, such as the whole third song... I'm sure the band thinks this is all very "progressive" and "experimental," but I couldn't give a fuck less about that kind of pretentious bullshit. When they decide to write actual songs, I'll give them another try. - 5 - <Ray>

KOROZYA - Blind Justice · DEMO
This is a tough band to describe, as they incorporate quite a few different styles into their sound. Vocally, sometimes screechy, like Black Metal. Musically heavier, but with strange parts, and weird effects. The drums are very Industrial. All this combines for a truly unique listening experience. I think you should check this out. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

KORP - Demon - Reborn · VOD
I have listened to this Black Death masterpiece many, many times in trying to write this review, but I'm still having some difficulty. Maybe it's just that I do so many reviews, and after a few hundred it starts to become tough to come up with new shit to say. But this album deserves the effort of a well thought out critique. It's an excellent combination of Black Metal speed picking with beefy Death-style riffs and thick production, rounded out with bursts of speed and bits of acoustic guitar, plus a fairly demonic growler - except for a few less-than-stellar moments of "cleanly" gurgled vox. As an added bonus, these songs have utterly no problem sticking with you and sort of haunting your brain. - 9.25 - <Ray>

KORPIKLAANI - Spirit of the Forest · Napalm
Death to Hobbit Metal. - 1 - <Jack>

KORPIKLAANI - Voice of Wilderness · Napalm
Traditional Finnish Folk blended with Thrash. - 1 - <Jack>

KORPSE - Pull the Flood · Candlelight
Interesting Thrashy Death. Raw vocals and good, clean production. Even a Cronos-like bass solo. I won't mention the stupid "hidden track" of noises and bits of dialogue. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

KORPSE - Revirgin · Candlelight
I can't remember when I've heard a heavier Groove than that of KORPSE. They also inject a healthy dose of Death Metal (most noticeably in the vocal department), and this gives them a somewhat unique sound. Unfortunately, for all it's grooviness, Revirgin seems devoid of energy at times. Although the track "No Exit" packs enough intensity into slightly over a minute to nearly be enough for the whole damn thing. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

RICHIE KOTZEN - Bi-Polar Blues · Shrapnel
Let's get one thing clear, claiming that this is Blues is like saying that the SPICE GIRLS play extreme underground Black Metal. This is a total "guitar hero" Rock-ization of what someone must have told Richie that the Blues sounds like. Mostly, this is just embarrassing, but there are a couple seconds that aren't unintentionally humorous. Not many though. According to the press release (what handy things they are!), this dork was in POISON at some point in time. Wow, I didn't think this was that bad. - 3.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

KRABATHOR - Lies · Morbid
Does he say: "Fuck the Christ"? Now that's how to start an album! The rest of this is intense Death. Powerful production and everything else, really. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

KRABATHOR - Mortal Memories EP · Morbid
Every now & then I look back at my reviews and I wonder what kind of crack I was smoking when I wrote them. Case in point: KRABATHOR’s Lies LP. It was reviewed in Metal Curse #9, and received an 8.5. I’d like to take this opportunity to revise that rating to 9.75, although I’m sure it’s too late to do much good. That fucker just keeps getting better and better with every listen, and it has spent a lot of time in my player. Now, with that out of the way, I am faced with this deadly EP. It contains 3 cuts from their 1988 demos (rerecorded), 2 new pieces of pure Death Metal, and the CD version has a CD-ROM video track for "Unnecessarity," from the above mentioned Lies album. Seek this out at all costs. KRABATHOR are one of the very best pure Death Metal bands to exist. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

KRABATHOR - Orthodox · Morbid / Pavement
This is no nonsense, straight ahead Death Metal. Absolutely brutal from beginning to end. These guys know how keep the aggression at maximum without letting it overpower the riff. Of special note are the title track and "To The Red Ones." Both of which must be big mosh starters in their native Czech Republic. These songs also highlight the political bent to their music, which distinguishes them from their devil-worshipping brethren. The only oddball on the disc is the closing track, "About Death," which includes some quasi-Black Metal keyboards and overdubs. Even on this tune, their pure, balls-out aggression wins out over any melodic overtones they wanted to make. Overall, a diamond hard gem of anger and brutality. - 9.5 - <Doktor Necrosis> **MC12**

WAYNE KRAMER - Death Tongue · Progressive
The best song on here is an Elton John cover. And I mean that in a bad way. I'm not too sure this is supposed to be serious, because if it is, it's utter shit. If not, uhh, I guess it's still pretty bad. I do get the sick feeling that Wayne isn't joking, though. - 2 - <Ray> **MC8**

KREATOR - Coma of Souls · Epic/Noise
KREATOR has retained their sound, although on a couple of tracks, "When the Sun Burns Red" and the title track, Mille’s vocals sound a little too smooth. The last song is the weakest one and it’s still fairly intense. Coma of Souls contains several outstanding tracks, among the very best are: "People of the Lie," "Material World Paranoia," and "Twisted Urges." KREATOR apparently won’t let anyone at Epic fuck over their sound and I’m glad. Coma of Souls is a heavy, fast, powerful, aggressive and also very memorable album. I think it could be the best album from KREATOR so far. I have to say that this is one of the best releases of the year and I think you will feel the same way. I highly recommend Coma of Souls. - 9.25 - <Ray>
{Pretty damn hard to top Coma of Souls even now. Too bad the band kept right on changing their style into something that I don’t much care for. And it didn’t really even get them any new fans, so I’d say it was a total failure, and they should go back to this much more harsh sound.} **MC3**

KREATOR - Renewal · Futurist
Well, let's see: Mille's vocals have become way less raw. They sound almost Hardcore now. The music is also less Death/Thrash than I was expecting. Strange things coming from this band, which was an early Deathrash outfit. I suppose they are trying to adapt to the times, but I think this is moving in the wrong direction. However, if you can forget their pervious albums [which I can't], this isn't too bad, and the songs are fairly memorable. I can easily envision people hating the vocals immensely, though. For an unheard-of band, this would be okay - nothing outstanding - but for KREATOR, this is pretty sad. I really expected a lot more from the freaks that raised the Flag of Hate. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

KREATOR - Cause for Conflict · Noise
Musically this is sorta better than their last album, Renewal, but the vocals, while improved, are still bad. However, the drums almost make up for it all. Nice RAW POWER cover. One last thing: Fuck a "hidden" bonus track of all sound effects. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

KREATOR - Outcast · F.A.D.
We’ll never again hear the KREATOR of old, I guess, but this is a little bit closer than their last couple albums have been. However it’s also very modern sounding, which isn’t exactly a good thing. If I’d never heard of KREATOR before, I’d likely say that these guys have a fairly unique sound, and are pretty good, but lack intensity. Since I know what they can do, this album seems kind of halfhearted, but as I said above, at least it’s a step in the right direction (except for the terrible "Black Sunrise," which is a waste of a good song title). Now if Mille and co. can just up the energy to at least Coma of Souls levels, they’ll be kicking some serious ass again. I guess I won’t hold my breath. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

KREATOR - Endorama · Pavement
Good grief, this sounds like fucking MEGADETH! I guess it does get a little heavier in places, but never to any level beyond that of BABYLON WHORES. - 6.75 - <Ray>

KREATOR - 1985 - 1992 Past Life Trauma · Noise
Seeing as how this "best of" covers my favorite period of KREATOR's history (okay, this goes a little later than I optimally would have), I'll be nice to it. The four "rare" tracks are a nice bonus, as are the extensive liner notes and the fact that the lyrics are printed for all the songs. If you're a huge KREATOR fan, you might want this for the supposedly rare stuff (which you'd likely have if you're that big a fan anyway), but I'd think the real value would be as an introduction to this great band, that focuses on their best years. - 8 - <Ray>

KREATOR - Violent Revolution · SPV / Steamhammer
It's good to see that bands that strayed from the dark path are coming back to their roots, and I'm happy to report that KREATOR is the newest addition to that order. In fact, this Thrash onslaught sounds as if it could (and should) have been the follow up to 1990's Coma of Souls! One listen to the aptly titled opener, "Reconquering the Throne," is all it will take for old fans to warm up to this band once again. It took over a decade for KREATOR's main man Mille to fully reclaim his senses! Better late than never, I guess. In any case, I'm just glad that KREATOR is kicking ass once again. Raise the flag of hate! - 9 - <Ray>

KRIEG - Rise of the Imperial Hordes · Blood Fire Death
No personal offense meant to these guys, since I know they’re cool, but this is possibly the most uninspired Black Metal mess I’ve ever sat through. It’s nearly all drums, with the guitars only being audible when the drums are absent. There are probably riffs buried in there somewhere, but I usually can’t hear them. And then there are the vox. Sometimes he talks in a crackly voice, and that’s bad enough, but when he actually makes an attempt to yell or whatever this is supposed to be, it’s even more terrible since no more emotion is felt than before. Fortunately they do slow things down every once in a great while, so when that happens & there are no vocals, this isn’t all that bad, but it’s rare. - 6 - <Ray> **MC11**

KRISIUN - Apocalyptic Revelation · GUN / Dynamo
For truly intense, ass kicking Death Metal, look no further. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

KRISIUN - Conquerors of Armageddon · Century Media
These guys are the epitome of Death Metal, well the faster of the two kinds at least. KRISIUN are tight, technical, and probably even faster live. You want brutal, crushing nonstop Death? Then look no further. Actually KRISIUN should already be a permanent addition to your canon of the greatest Death Metal bands ever! Perhaps a mere touch more memorable riffs would make this great album flawless, but I'm not complaining. Death, nonstop. - 9.5 - <Bob>

KRISIUN - Ageless Venomous · Century Media
KRISIUN stand tall as a testimony that man is capable of astounding achievement. This band's talent has been heralded by many and with undeniable reason. The speed factor is one thing, being able to write, memorize, and play full-on blast for 6 ½ minutes boasts its own glory, but KRISIUN are able to make it stick, and more so on Ageless Venomous than ever before. "Dawn of Flagellation" hammers the listener with Covenant-era MORBID ANGELic hooks, while gems like the title track and "Saviour's Blood" employ perhaps the fanciest start-stop mechanics ever (made all the more viable by drummer Max Kolesne's mind-boggling footwork!). Taking in something this extreme, and then using a great Doomy album as a chaser, has proven to be for me the most euphoric high the mind and body can experience. - 9.75 - <Jack>

KRISIUN - Bloodshed · Century Media
KRISIUN just keep getting better. By continuing to experiment with the groove and dynamics introduced on 2003’s Works of Carnage, they have completely revitalized their sound and given their inhumanly fast, insanely technical Death Metal assault vibrant new life. Slowing things down a bit and adding breakdowns with diabolically wicked start-stop riff action makes their demonically potent attack that much more energetic. If you liked Works of Carnage, you will worship at the altar of Bloodshed, as it is more of the same evil goodness. All that keeps this "EP" from perfection is the addition of four tracks from their long out-of-print debut, Unmerciful Order, which even the band themselves would probably admit is not their finest hour, and an excessive amount of slightly uninteresting instrumentals. Perhaps they were forced to beef up the length to fulfill contractual obligations? The inclusion of the older material does serve as a great measuring tool to show just how far this band has come. - 9.25 - <Jack>

KRISIUN - Assassination · Century Media
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years, KRISIUN aren't just about blazing speed anymore. Starting with 2003's Works of Carnage, the emphasis has been much more on songwriting and dynamics, with Assassination being a continuation of that approach. While certain aspects of the album are a throwback to the unbridled fury of the Black Force Domain days, it's for the most part in the same vein as Works of Carnage and 2004's Bloodshed. The stop-on-a-pinhead precision is quickly becoming KRISIUN's new trademark, and it's overflowing in every nook and cranny of Assassination, ensuring that standout cuts like "Bloodcraft," "Vicious Wrath," "Refusal," "House of God," and "United in Deception" are not only dizzyingly brutal, but also instantly memorable. Cheers to KRISIUN. Brazil's finest Metal band ever. - 9.5 - <Jack>

KROME - Enough Rage · DEMO (CD)
When I saw the words "Power Groove" in their bio, I figured that I’d have a great time making fun of KROME, but I really can’t. They are actually a very good combination of Hardcore and Metal, sort of like a somewhat more "modern" sounding FORCED ENTRY, with a gruffer version of James Hetfield singing as balls-to-the-wall as he can. This is an extremely professional looking and sounding CD. They must have spent every penny they had on this recording and production, and I’m equally as impressed with the layout. Considering the popularity of this "New Thrash" style, I’m really surprised that KROME are not signed. I assume that they will be soon. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

KRONIN - Kronin · DEMO
Well, this sounds sorta like FAITH NO MORE, I guess. That's not quite it, but I don't know what it is. This isn't bad, but I just don't care for it. The sound quality is pretty good, but that didn't save it for me. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

KRONIN - How Do You Start This Thing? · SCC
Pretty mediocre riffing in territory that's a little heavier than, say, UGLY KID CHOAD, but still pretty lightweight. Oh and if that area interests you for some reason you can still forget it because these idiots are fronted by a dunce who thinks the dorky, awkward hollering of the geekiest singers from the Thrash era is still going to cut it nowadays. Only the best of them could pull it off then, pal. The title just begs to be mocked, incidentally - I was a lot more excited about stopping the motherfucker than I was about starting it. - 4.5 <J.J.> **MC9**

KR'UPPT - Kr'uppt · DEMO
Since one of the band is wearing a MOTÖRHEAD shirt in their photo, I feel weird saying anything bad about them, but I just don't like this demo. The riffs are mostly too "happy" sounding. And then there are the vocals. Well, the production is clear - but powerless. Maybe next time, less attention should be spent on the full color j-card, and more on the music. - 5.75 - <Ray> **MC9**