Khaoz - Twist The Knife A Little Deeper

Title: Twist The Knife A Little Deeper
Artist: Khaoz
Genre: Death Metal
Release Date: 31st October 2009
Label: None



Introduction

At the end of 2008, a new band saw the light of day: KHAOZ. Founded by (former) members of SINISTER, PLEURISY, THE EMBODIMENT, HOUWITSER and DEAD HEAD. The goal was to creat a real "Old School Death Metal' formation. Soon after this creative bound, they started to write songs in the rehearsal room in Amersfoort. In no-time there were five songs finished. After that, everything went fast. In April the debut MCD 'Twist The Knife A Little Deeper' was recorded at "Drum & Wings Of Death" studios. Lat but not least it was mixed by Harris Johns of "Music Lab Studios” in Berlin.  Johns is well-known for the mixing and mastering of bands such as PESTILENCE, IMMOLATION and KREATOR albums.

Also the first KHAOZ videoclip has been recorded for the opening track 'Only to the Worm', recorded by Funeral Productions. After all these efforts, it was finally time to present the mini album 'Twist The Knife A Little Deeper' at Aaltjesrock 2009, a Dutch festival.


Album Review

The album artwork of the first MCD is very professional. The cover look is beautiful but you definitely need a PC to enjoy this record. The reason for that is the first song 'Only To The Worm' what comes in the shape of a video. You also can watch it on their Myspace.

01. Only To The Worm - 03:45
After a quiet short intro, 'Only To The Worm' sounds very good. It is clear that all the musicians have a lot of experience, and they reflect that very well in the song structure. This up-tempo song is a strong opener for this mini CD. The mix between grunts and screams is well-balance. The same goes for the guitar and bass riffs. The drums are very fast and tight. 'Only To The Worm' is a great opener for this MCD - And don’t forget to watch the video which makes it complete.

02. Misantrophy - 03:45
The second song is called 'Misantrophy' and it’s a melodic track. The guitar riffs in the intro of this track are great. The screams are dominant and the grunts are more in the background, aiming to create a deeper underground sound like in the early metal years, but with the technical knowledge from the Berlin mastering studio.

03. Shattered Light Insanity - 02:27
A fast, dynamic up-tempo song with very tight drums again. The mix of all instruments and vocals is well balanced. Simply technical metal in a very good shape and an outstanding mixture.

04. Inveterate Fantasy - 04:34
Personally, I think this is one of the better tracks on the MCD, but you have to find it out by yourself for sure. Expecially when you are familiar with the aforementioned band. Of course, the band members bring in their own influences. The intro is just great with the guitar riffs. It'sgroovy and it drags you into the song.

05. Lost in Serenity - 03:56
Unfortunately, this is the last number of 'Twist the Knife a Little Deeper'. What can I say about this one. It has a great variation between the grunts, screams and a good mix of all instruments. A good warm-up for their debut album, expected in summer. A new formation with an old-school sound is always welcome in the underground. Technical metal with a new edge is a must-have for the metal fan.


Line-up

Johan - Screams
Olav - Grunts
Michel - Guitar
Erik-Jan - Guitar
CJ - Bass Guitar
Edwin - Drums


Website

http://www.myspace.com/khaozofficial


Cover Picture




Technical Summary

Total Playing Time: 18:28 Min
Total Tracks: 5
Bonus: Videoclip 'Only To The Worm'


Conclusion

The recording and mix is outstanding and that makes this MCD more interesting than the ones of other bands in the same metal scene. No wonder, with the great work of Harris Johns from  "Music Lab Studios” there is nothing to complain. For the first project, this makes a very good impression. Experienced musicians sharing the same passion.
 

Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras: 8
Total: 8 / 10

{jos_sb_discuss:19}