Raum Kingdom

IRELAND’S POST-METAL DEBUTANTS STRUGGLE TO LEAVE A WELL-WORN PATH

Taking cues from Amenra and Neurosis is never a bad step when you’re starting to make music, and the quiet/loud dynamic that is torn between the sweeping majesty of post-metal and the sludgier side of the underground is something that Ireland’s Raum Kingdom do very well. Their debut is full of stunning moments. From the opening keening of Summon to the passionate cries that permeate the closing passage of Dig, Raum Kingdom have a lot of interesting elements, the only downside being that at times it can sound too familiar. It’s a pity, as final track Struggle works hard to overcome those pitfalls and in Dave Lee the band have a vocalist who can go from gorgeous serenades to throaty screams with ease, the track moving deftly from the beautiful to the ugly in climbing walls of noise.

FOR FANS OF: AMENRA, ROSETTA,

NEUROSIS

CHERYL CARTER