On the first spin (singles don't count), the album didn't feel as foreign as I expected it to be. It is not "folk" per se, at least not as most of us would perceive this label. It cleverly blends the essence of the Greek tradition into the experimenting nature of the songs, creating some sort of "rembeticore" for lack of better term. The choice of language, albeit unusual given the band's past, was a winning move from their part, as it further enhances the use of traditional organs and creates a balance -and let's be factual, a hypothetical use of English would make the album sound so "ethnic" that it'd qualify for a Eurovision song contest... From a structural aspect, the songs are quite homogenous, which on one hand renders the creative output easy to follow and digest. On the other hand, however, it means that there aren't any sudden outbursts to break the mould, thus creative a somewhat repetitive pattern. Even the more upbeat twists like "Lycanthropy" are fully calculated and assimilated in the final product.
A big asset for "Kitro" is the crystal clean production, which allows every single detail to be audible; from the prominent basslines in "Argonauftes" to the percussion patterns in the title track. To me, the second biggest change/challenge was the vocal approach. The clean singing is at the forefront, with the vocalist utilizing an impressive range, from lower harmonies to full and supported belting on his higher register. I would assume that the transition from consistent screaming to singing wasn't very easy, but in the album (and in concert) it sounds seamless.
Overall, "Kitro" is a thoughtful and innovative album. It takes guts to jump from a genre to another without faltering -let alone two very different aspects of heavy music- and Raw In Sect were successful in their leap. Will this album make it to my Sunday morning playlist? Doubtful. Is it worth your time and attention? Yes, most certainly.
7.5/10
A big asset for "Kitro" is the crystal clean production, which allows every single detail to be audible; from the prominent basslines in "Argonauftes" to the percussion patterns in the title track. To me, the second biggest change/challenge was the vocal approach. The clean singing is at the forefront, with the vocalist utilizing an impressive range, from lower harmonies to full and supported belting on his higher register. I would assume that the transition from consistent screaming to singing wasn't very easy, but in the album (and in concert) it sounds seamless.
Overall, "Kitro" is a thoughtful and innovative album. It takes guts to jump from a genre to another without faltering -let alone two very different aspects of heavy music- and Raw In Sect were successful in their leap. Will this album make it to my Sunday morning playlist? Doubtful. Is it worth your time and attention? Yes, most certainly.
7.5/10
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