It was no hardship to listen to Kontinuum’s 2012 album “Earth Blood Magic” again in preparation for this one. Rightly the Icelandic band’s contribution to “hypnotic and spiritual music noise” received universal claim.
“Kyrr” is another album of intrigue, and not inconsiderable melody. It’s impossible to bracket this music and I’m sure Kontinuum don’t want to be bracketed any more than there’s no need for it. To put it in a personal context, the world I was drawn into fell into shared space with Tiamat, Katatonia, Clan of Xymox, U2 and Phil Collins. Yes, Phil Collins but that was only on the opening track “Breathe” which I played again immediately after I’d listened to this album. It’s a distant sounding Phil Collins, mind, and it’s just a side show as this is the jolliest and funkiest, so called post metal you’ve ever heard. The post metal bit of this album comes from the extended ambience but it’s got a ring to it, and that’s where the Katatonia comparison comes in. “Breathe is actually a melodic and lively hard rock track. It’s controlled, atmospheric and edgy with a magical rhythm and moondust which comes at you from all angles. And how can anyone resist sing-a-long lyrics like “Needle in my vein, gently put it in, intoxicate my brain …. I’m addicted to you”. Very jolly. Most of the other tracks are sung in Icelandic, which is fine, and the next one “Í Huldusal” is, I believe the single. This seemed a strange choice for a single but then I don’t speak for the Icelandic music listener. It’s a great track – dark and gothic with echoes and a ringing riff. The irresistible rhythm represents the light and airy side, while in the background darkly magic patterns and waves develop.
“Hliđargötu Heimsveldi”, which my translator tells me means “Side Street Empire”, proves that post metal doesn’t have to be done in one way. The deep, whispering creepy Johan Edlund vocals go well with the ringing sound. A mini volcanic eruption occurs but the song goes on and develops in an interesting way. After a holding passage, it sails off in a scene of combined loftiness and depth. It can’t be described as anything as it’s all those metal moods yet it’s got a hard rock and even pop side. What I do know is that it’s a pleasure to listen to. The track “Kyrr” (Still) similarly appeals to the senses with its mix of power metal ad melodic rock. There’s a kind of emotional melancholy in the air yet it generates an air of excitement. This leads nicely into the riches and expanse of “Undir Punnu Skinni”. Perhaps I’m being picky here but while Kontinuum are undoubtedly a band of surprises, I’d got used to the pattern by now, and “Undir Punnu Skinni” was kind of predictable in a Kontinuumian sort of way. Of course, no sooner had I thought that “Lone” came along. As the title suggests, it’s desolate and bleak, yet with beauty – like Iceland, really. But in this case it starts with distant ambient cosmic noises before working its way into a calm guitar instrumental. “In Shallow Seas” takes us off into another direction. “Quiet before the storm” utters the Tiamat soundalike vocalist with suitable menace. This is everything. It’s a punchy metal song, there’s colour in the guitar work, it advances, it creeps up, it’s lively, the atmosphere is dark but the moods change. “Red Stream” completes this journey. It has a Katatonian beginning. It seems like a pleasantly conventional song but we’re then attacked by a cyber sound wave. Toe-tapping progressiveness returns. The drum beats steadily. The melody is hypnotic, but it moves forward with a gothic style drive which was my Clan of Xymox moment. Again Kontinuum pack many elements into one song but it all seems to be natural.
There’s something really special about this band. Shades of light mix with shades of darkness. The tunes are thrusting, catchy, dark, atmospheric and a few more adjectives besides. There may be no apparent rules but the control is magnificent. “Kyrr” has a wealth of layers of imagination and interest.
(9/10 Andrew Doherty)
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