Somehow we all have to tighten our belts at the moment. Savings have to be made everywhere – so why not with music too. And so the melodic metallers KALAH release the twice four songs from their two previous EPs on their first full-length album and add four new songs to it. Can you do that, hardly anyone knows the EPs anyway. Incidentally, the album title is derived from these two releases called “Descent” and “Human”.
The band from historic Bologna are committed to the fusion of electronic and metal, aiming to evoke the retro gaming vibe of the 1980s. I’m supposed to be a boomer, but what that might mean… I have no idea. Something with keyboards anyway. Doesn’t matter. As a passionate non-gamer, I’ll just leave this information as it is and dedicate myself to the music.
In a nutshell, KALAH provide us with modern Melodic Metal with – as already mentioned – a strong focus on electronic gimmicks. The guitars play a rather subordinate role on this album, but are still well present. In the first half of the album, the two guitarists mainly limit themselves to staccato riffing, but as time goes on they shine with melodic solos – like on “Pit Of Violence”. The voice of Claudia Gigante (what a name!) is reminiscent of Sharon den Adel of WITHIN TEMPTATION. Not the worst reference, and yet the musical offer is completely different. Harder, weirder – all in all not unexciting! “Descent Into Human Weakness” is peppered with many songs that get stuck in your ear canals after the third listen at the latest. “Mit Six Feet Underground” and “Ejecta” are the potential hits of this album. Anyone who can dance to electronic music would probably like to do so here. With “Side Effects” I thought for a moment that an old SCOOTER Hadern had strayed into my playlist. Luckily guitars were added.
KALAH occupy a niche that isn’t served that often. Metal fans who aren’t afraid of contact with electronics will have a lot of fun with “Descent Into Human Weakness”. Anything but an ordinary metal album. I like it.