Review Summary: R.I.P. "hating on Krallice" (2008-2015)
Krallice have long been the whipping boy in many circles of the metal world. The smarter and cooler sister to Liturgy, Krallice have been an easy target (but not as easy as, well, Liturgy) of metal fans who saw through the hyper-energetic twist on black metal. Debates on what classifies as “trve” black metal have ensued, with asinine blanket terms like “hipster metal” being thrown into the mix as well. All seek to vocalize the fact that since 2008 Krallice have been a really, really annoying band.
That is until now.
Dimensional Bleedthrough was neat.
Years Past Matter was fun, sort of. Hell even their debut had
some merit. But at their core the band has produced music that can best be described as a cold hearted mathematician’s befuddled attempt at capturing what is “in the now” in regards to metal. Even now when trying to sing their praises, this reviewer falls into the detractor camp. This mainly arises because the members of Krallice are talented. They play ear shattering loud music and at a pace that never dips below breaking the sound barrier. Aside from that there isn’t much else to Krallice; a modern metal band playing modern metal that overstays its welcome. Every. Single. Time.
Once again, that is until now.
Ygg Huur is one hell of a cool album. Really cool, actually. It’s undeniably Krallice, with break neck speeds and tremolos so rapid that it’s like watching a hummingbird flap its wings. For their fifth record, however, they’ve added just about everything that has been missing: atmosphere, character, and an understanding of black metal. Yes, it’s all here in some capacity, with “Idols” opening the record with a murky production and *gasp* variety. At the outset it all sounds sort of like Gorguts, specifically
Colored Sands. There is even a little Deathspell Omega and Altar of Plagues thrown in there too. One might find this in poor taste, with Krallice once again appropriating a sound that just so happens to be "in the now," but it goes a long way in making
Yngg Huur an effective and enjoyable listen. Don't misunderstand,
Ygg Huur is still wonky as hell. There are necking breaking transitions in speed that exist solely to jostle the listener from some sort of "sonic assault." This time around there is a lot more going on so it comes off as less try-hard and silly. The Gorguts-esque atonality and emphasis on death metal are welcome additions, making the record feel less cold and lifeless.
Ygg Huur sounds better than any Krallice album to date constructed in a more logical way. Simply put, the album isn't up its own ass with parlor tricks or guitar wankery. Which is why that 35-minute run time is so perfect. If the world were never treated to another 11-minute masturbatory Krallice song it would be too soon. Just when they begin to wear on a little too long, the song ends, leaving the listener exhausted but with more euphoria than fatigue.
Krallice are still sort of obnoxious. There's a faint smell of Behold...the Arctopus and Dysrhythmia in the air and it the record feels like it was written but a group of math rockers looking over the shoulders of metal's finest. Yet Krallice knew what to change and what to keep. The result is truly interesting metal record that mixes a flurry of modern influences into one tight little package. If you've always loved the band then this should not disappoint. For major detractors
Ygg Huur is well worth looking into.
