Death Knocks: A Hauntingly Familiar Metal Album
Death Knocks isn't just another metal album; it's a hauntingly familiar journey into the realm of occult rock. While it may not be the most extreme, it certainly straddles the metal boundary with a unique blend of eerie atmosphere and melodic gems. But here's where it gets controversial: despite its simplicity, this album captivates with its catchy vocal harmonies and engaging guitar and bass lines. So, is it a triumph of conciseness or a cookie-cutter affair? Let's find out.
Hoaxed, the three-piece band from Portland, plays a brand of bass-heavy, mid-paced doomy rock that's both familiar and refreshing. Their new release, Death Knocks, showcases a simple yet powerful sound. The guitars, played by Kat Keo, are understated but tinged with evil, alternating between aggressive riffs and sparser melodies. New bassist April Dimmick brings her thrash experience with aggressive thumping bass lines that often steal the show. Keo also handles lead clean vocals, while Dimmick adds clean harmonizing and harsh growls, creating a backbone of straightforward yet engaging hooks. The occasional synth backing adds a touch of Gothic rock, reminiscent of Avatarium or a slowed-down Unto Others.
The real star of the show might be the drums, played by Kim Coffel. His tom-heavy and hi-hat-heavy kit attack displays a mastery of groove and creativity without feigning a technical clinic. The drums evolve constantly, adding fluidity even in melodically simple moments. Coupled with a rich sound, Death Knocks' drums are the most memorable part of the album, which is a rare feat.
However, the album's strength lies in its straightforward songs, but they can get old. The song structures are cookie-cutter, with verses and choruses interspersed with instrumental interludes. While this poppy approach can work fine, it quickly loses interest when the underlying melodies aren't bulletproof. Hoaxed struggles to have creative outros even on their stronger tracks, making it seem like they came up with great ideas but weren't sure how to stitch them together. Keo's guitar melodies stand out on the opener and the fantastic 'The Family,' but in the middle of the album, they tend to lose interest through repetition.
In conclusion, Death Knocks is a worthy addition to your collection with its catchy vocal harmonies, engaging guitar and bass lines, and a standout drum performance. It's a triumph of conciseness, and while Hoaxed has room to grow in their musical diversity, it's a perfectly entertaining and ghoulish listen. So, are you ready to embark on this half-hour coven excursion? Let us know in the comments! Do you think Hoaxed can improve their songwriting variety? Share your thoughts below!
