Kommandant - Kontakt

November 5, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Jim Bresnahan has a long history with us in the Chicago metal underground. He was in Cianide, who I’ve seen dozens of times over the years, as well as classic local names like Funereal and Contagion, all with great resounding histories. His metal lifestyle and dedication has never been called into question. I’m always happy as hell to hear and/or support any true metal bands from my hometown’s scene. I know well Bresnahan’s lineage and was anxious to hear Kommandant’s latest EP, Kontakt. 

What I initially get from the EP is some black thrash along the lines of Summon or old Nachtmystium, though not quite as resonating. I do admit to hearing some really classic riffs here that pretty much incite the old school feel accordingly. I’m not necessarily sure that there’s anything really mind-blowing here, but it’s not terrible. I do enjoy the slight mix of some industrial sounding music appropriately placed within the songs that isn’t overkill or misused; it adds a certain flavor to what might otherwise be typical metal-meets-industrial for the sake of shock treatment to the music. The opening track “KK66N6ZT” is interesting in its primitive volatility, resounding much like a warning siren or buzzer in some chemical plant. I find it to be a good intro to the album, if a bit out of place once “Anti-Human Nemesis” kicks in. This can be overlooked, however, once the speedy assault begins and you can thrash around a bit.

What makes Kommandant interesting, if not amazing, is the fact that the band plays a form of black thrash that doesn’t rely on blind Venom worship or typically Norwegian black speed. The chord progressions are vital enough to warrant a second, even third listen for the music to eventually grow on you, and it’s worth the effort. “Der Maschineraum” is a sincerely good track that moves along nicely with some catchy hooks that call upon the past masters of black metal, even if some of them appear recyclable and rehashed. For what might otherwise be a stagnant EP filled with generic undervalued thrash, Kontakt does instill some classic influences in all the right spots.

I’m not entirely sure there’s enough total brilliance on Kontakt to make it a must-hear for the black-thrash fan of staunch seriousness, but there is a bit of excitement here and there. Just don’t go throwing out your Black Metal or Seven Churches anytime soon. Take this little EP of decent tracks for what it is and enjoy what’s there.   

Release Date: September 11, 2010
Label: Planet Metal Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  KK66N6ZT
2.  Anti-Human Nemesis
3.  Codex Gigas
4.  Der Maschineraum
5.  Sulphur Chariot
6.  The Genesis Reaktor

Total playing time:  20:22

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: