VOTUM - :Ktonik:
March 8, 2016, 8 years ago
(Inner Wound Recordings)
Polish progressive metal band, Votum, possesses a deep metal vocabulary consisting of dark atmospheres, moody soundscapes and ominous melodies on its fourth full-length release :Ktonik:. The band name translates to “A vow (made to the gods)” or “Prayer where a sacrifice is offered.” The band successfully creates atmospheric musical soundscapes full of emotion and appeal on its nine expansive tracks. Bart Sobieraj replaces original singer Maciej Kosinski, adding a vibrant addition to the mix.
Opener “Satellite” is an ambient, proggy, Anathema-esque track loaded with lots of melodic layers with quiet segments which erupt into a heavy part at a moment’s notice. The reverb-laced guitar buildup, atmospheric keyboards and slow rhythm section create a moody vibe on “Greed” while the sprawling “Spiral,” with its ominous basslines, reverb-laden vocal effect, and Sci-Fi spoken word segment, makes it one of the most dynamic tracks on the album. In fact, each of the nine tracks induces a full spectrum of emotions in their own unique way. But due to the diverse and expansive nature of the tracks, the 50 minute duration seems longer than the actual time and seems to drag a bit in some moments. However, :Ktonik: successfully continues Votum’s brand of quality, modern prog metal.
