2018 is shaping up to be quite the year for post-metal fans and Raum Kingdom have added another contender for the end of year lists. The debut album, Everything & Nothing, builds and expands upon a solid base from the EP and split released over the last four years. On display here is an exceptional blend of post-metal which has hints of bigger bands yet soars above even some of those.
One of the easiest connections to make of the music on the album is with that of Amenra. There is a lot in the tonality of the guitar work that is reminiscent, but the style it is deployed in is different and so is the impact. In the quieter atmospheric building moments the guitar rings as it does for the Belgium masters but the vocals carry a different kind of power. Opening track ‘Summon’ is exactly as the name would suggest – a call to gather. The main crescendos in the track are lead by soaring vocals which are reminiscent of an Islamic call to prayers, but with more melody than lyrics and backed with thundering guitar. The dazzling vocal display continues throughout the album.
When not soaring powerfully upward the vocals are deployed in forceful screams and strong clean singing. The musicianship it builds on is also very compelling. Album closer ‘Struggle’ has a ring to it similar to the later works by Latitudes as well as an Undertow era Tool sound. ‘Rebuilding The Bridge’ probably encompasses all the flavours of this release in its near 10 minutes as it crushes between the vocal styles and textures with tremendous results.
The only blip I can find on the album is the latter half of the 14 minute epic ‘Winter’. The song starts off in furious fashion highlighting all the strengths displayed on the album; ringing guitar, slow hammered drum beats and soaring vocals mixed with devastatingly harsh screams. About half way though the song slows down and here you can either float away on the light percussion and guest vocals of Mia Govoni or just get distracted if you don’t miss the subtle changes in the guitar. The finale of the song seems to just drift on by unlike the other moments on the album. Outwith that Raum Kingdom has offered up a real meaty effort which any post-metal fan should find enjoyment in.
