KLADOVEST – “IGNITIATE”

In the depths of eastern Europe arise Kladovest from the Ukraine, bringing with them some melodic black metal. The album “Ignitiate” comprises of four tracks, each around 10-minutes in length. Dmitri K provides all the music with vocals from Gjenfard, while the lyrical content is provided by Vintraid.

Initially with “Hermit Dungeons” we are in speed/thrash metal territory, with Gjenfard delving into the falsetto stylings of Mercyful Fate’s King Diamond. The listener is lured into thinking this could be a straightforward heavy metal album, that is however until Dmitri K shows his sensitive side.

As with each of the four tracks on offer, the opening piece descends into a beautifully crafted instrumental. It shows how Dmitri likes to compose his art, you start to forget this is in fact the workings of someone associated with the black metal scene.

KLADOVEST – “IGNITIATE”

The next tune “Beneath the Reaper Show” is slightly more straight forward, albeit remaining just over 9 minutes in length. It is still very much what Kladovest are about, the warbled voice being matched with the deeper vocals.

As for the second half of the release “Shore of Ancient Moons” and “Carved in Scars” continue in the same vein as the opening track, combining screamed lyrics with post-rock sections. There’s some really nice music on “Shore…”, a composition that would also at times easily appeal to fans of groups such as Scotland’s Mogwai. “Carved in Scars” is much heavier, plenty of loud guitars and black metal screams before they become dispersed of in favour of a more ambient soundscape.

You could probably re-mix “Initiate” and cut each track in half, making it either a death metal record to disturb the neighbours, or a beautiful instrumental you’d happily introduce to the most fragile of souls. Kladovest though decide to combine both elements, for one would be lost without the other and I have to say, it’s also resulted in one pretty impressive album.

Released at the end of 2016 via No Colours Records

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpyaWfUIVJ0