KHORS – Wisdom of Centuries
- Posted on 21-10-2012
Although ‘Wisdom of Centuries’ is the fifth full-length for Ukrainian Black Metallers Khors, I must admit that this is the first time I have ever encountered the band.
As the album starts, we pass through an ‘atmospheric’ intro and into a world of melodic, depressive BM. I always find it striking when a band I had never even heard of come up with such a polished, mature sound. The song-writing is good too, with solid grooves and a pervasive air of majestic loss. And even though the approach is depressive and atmospheric (I think the lyrics refer to some dark part of Ukrainian history), Khors can blast out an up-tempo passage when required.
The second half of this album becomes more pensive and wandering, with greater reliance on acoustics and swelling keyboards and a bit more of a Pink Floyd style influence creeping in. It isn’t less focussed than the first half of the record, but it does require a bit of work on the part of the listener, because if you don’t stay tuned it, it can very easily pass you by.
Ultimately this is a good effort that won’t disappoint fans of more thoughtful, progressive and melodic BM. Personally, I love progressive music, but prefer my BM screamed from the bowels of hell so this won’t stay high on my playlist, I’m afraid.