If you want a glimpse of a twisted, eerie future, then
Khonsu’s “The Xun Protectorate” just may very well offer that vison. I first
read a review about “The Xun Protectorate” back in 2016, but never actually got
around to listening to the album until just recently. I had an idea of what to expect
when the album began, but to hear what you’ve read can never really prepare you
for the real thing.
Steffen Grønbech, who assumes all instrumental and the
majority of vocal duties on the album, does a wonderful job of creating a futuristic
sound of terror, while maintaining a subtly of tranquility through the use of
his rhythms and harmonies created throughout the album. He wastes no time
introducing you to Khonsu’s blend of styles by unleashing the opening track
(after the intro) “The Jhator Ascension” on their listeners. The song begins with
a short intro of pummeling drums that quickly transition into an explosion of catchy
guitar riffs. The heavy use of synths and blasting drums join in as the evil
vocals are cued and the sounds begin to harmonize, painting a dreary picture of
what the rest of the album will offer.
Terje Olsen handles the clean vocals and shouldn’t be left
out of the conversation, as his sound helps balance the sound between peace and
chaos. This balancing act is present on “Death of the Timekeeper” The
electronic dissonance along with the pounding drums and terrifying vocals
create a bleak atmosphere, but the clean vocals come in serve as an equalizer.
Of course, songs like “Visions of Nehaya” are just a straight forward,
blackened death metal attack.
If you’re looking for a nice mixture of industrial and blackened
death metal, “The Xun Protectorate” should be right up your alley. I enjoyed this
album and was impressed that a band that I had never heard of was able to put
together such a blend of sounds and atmospheres to create the sound for their futuristic,
horror styled theme. There’s really not much to point out to bring this album
down in the sense of glaring problems. However, I don’t think this album is a
masterpiece that some had made it seem, but it is a very good album overall.
Highlights: "A Jhator Ascension" "Death of
the Timekeeper" "Visions of Nehaya"
Rating: 4
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