Eleven years in the
making, Dayton, Ohio atmospheric post metal collective KENOMA recently
released their highly anticipated debut full length record entitled, “The
Tides Will Prevail” via Translation Loss. Having flown under the
radar following their contribution to the 2006 critically acclaimed split
release with Mouth
Of The Architect, “The
Tides Will Prevail “could be considered something of a rebirth
for the band. This extended gestation period has produced an
absorbing set of finely honed post-metal behemoths. Kenoma are firmly focused on the metal side of the post-metal equation
and for the most part of “The
Tides Will Prevail” manages to create huge, enveloping sound
constructions reliant on intricate interlocking guitar parts rather than a
phalanx of effects pedals.
With their style of
sludge-induced atmospheric instrumentals, Kenoma have etched their way into
creating climatic and expansive journeys, pushing them to the forefront of
their ever dilating genre. Kenoma create landscapes you want to explore and get
lost in. The subtle nuances of their valleys are mesmerizing and their peaks
are crafted with boiling points overflowing with beauty. As for the 11 year gap
between releases, it is a journey that would eventually lead to the creation of
their brilliant new album and today we have invited bassist Doug McGinnis to
talk us through his top 5 post metal, doom records. So prepare
to worship at the altar of volume, as we take our weekly trip into the extreme and turn the volume all
the way up to 11. Why do we go to 11, because “It’s one louder,
isn’t it?”
1). Neurosis: “Through Silver In Blood”
This album was not my first introduction to Neurosis, but it had the biggest impact on me and my
writing style. “Through Silver In Blood”
is one of the heaviest and most complex albums I have ever heard. The siren
like screams and the destructive riffs paired with the textured soundscapes made
for one of the most influential albums to date. It’s hard to deny an album, or
a band, that single handedly create a whole sub-genre of bands struggling to
grasp Neurosis’s immense vision. This is still one
of my favorite Neurosis albums and probably always will be.
2). His Hero Is Gone: “Fifteen Counts Of Arson”
His Hero Is Gone:
“Fifteen Counts Of Arson” was one of
the first albums my group of friends all came together around. When it came out
none of us had heard a mix of styles quite like these guys put together. It was
a ferocious album that went from grinding you into the dirt with their crust
punk stylings to smashing you over the head with their oppressive doom style
riffs. This album had it all and could effortlessly flow from one style to the
next without batting an eye. This record will make you want to buck the system
and burn it to the ground.
3). Tarentel: “The Order Of Things”
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. “The Order Of Things” evokes emotions
and feelings with each changing note. The pairing of the organic sounding
instrumentation and the soundscapes makes for an immersive listening
experience. I still get lost in these songs and find myself reflecting on the
past, present, and future every time I spin this record. This album is highly
recommended and will provide a very lush listening experience.
4). Grief: “Come To Grief”
This album is one of my favorite
doom records ever recorded. The weight that this album carries is immense. It
had an influence own my writing style even before I started Kenoma, when I was still in Rune. The down tempo riffs on this album are
unmatched by any of its predecessors. I would not be surprised if this album
hasn’t led to a significant decline in the human population. No one can match the level of doom unleashed
on the world as this album has produced. Doom On and Drop Out…
5). Red Sparowes: “At The Soundless Dawn”
“At The
Soundless Dawn” grips the listener right from
the beginning and doesn’t let go until the album is done. This is my favorite Red Sparowes release and has had a large impact on Kenoma’s approach to song writing. This engaging release
commands the attention of the listener and takes them on a ride through
beautifully crafted textures and sweeping riffs. The dynamics are on point and
it is full of emotive highs and lows. Get ready for a ride when listening to
this album.
