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Starting their career in the late ‘90s as a traditional black metal band, Norway’s Keep of Kalessin have gradually matured with each release while still keeping the integrity of their roots. After five years between releases, they are reborn with their sixth full length release Epistemology.

They have achieved monumental success in their native country of Norway where they have won multiple Grammy awards and had tremendous chart success over their career.

The band underwent a significant change over their extended break when longtime vocalist Thebon parted ways with the band leaving them as a trio. Founding member and guitarist Obsidian Claw has now taken over lead vocal duties as well as the band has set path on a new chapter.

Epistemology is a more mature affair and finds the band adapting additional influences with thrash and traditional metal blending with their core black metal sound. The songs are still centered on blisteringly quick tremolo guitar riffs and precise blast beats blended with orchestral movements.

Claw’s vocals are diverse as he skillfully balances his aggressive screams with very clean melodic singing as they are fairly evenly split. His melodic voice is reminiscent of Borknagar’s ICS Vortex with grandiose melodies that are epic in nature. He also displays controlled aggression with biting growls that are still accessible. “The Spiritual Relief” and “The Grand Design” showcase both aspects of his voice impeccably.

The highlight of the record is Claw’s magnificent guitar playing.

He creates elegant melodies and plays with passion while showcasing his penchant for shred like on “Necropolis” and the glorious title track. The latter is a nine minute plus plunge into purgatory with operatic melodies before transforming into a spacious guitar melody and thrash riffs that are neck break inducing.

The tracks are all complex and layered with the majority of them coming in over seven minutes in length. Claw’s songwriting is at the top of his game, the songs never overstaying their welcome as the multiple shifts in style keep the material inventive and exciting. “Dark Divinity” plays on both the darker and more melodic sides of the genre with punishing riffs and a chugging down picked breakdown that brings this epic to a climax. It is one of the best tracks of their storied career.

Taking the long break between releases was a key decision for Keep of Kalessin as this is more cohesive than their last effort, Reptilian. The shift to Claw as a vocalist has been seamless because his range gives the sound more landscapes and accessibility without losing their core sound. Epistemology is an excellent comeback album that once again establishes Keep of Kalessin as a premier black metal band.
(released February 24th, 2015 on Indie Recordings)