Julian Cope once said that "slow is the new loud." If this doesn't apply to Khanate, then I don't know what does. Their sound is utter gloom and despair. Yet, listeners continue to discover them and take them in as something to which they repeatedly listen. This buzz, so to speak, has particularly been true with the release of their newest offering for Hydreahead, Capture and Release. Amazed, I wonder who these people are. Hardcore kids who would never think of telling their friends they listen to this Doom fanatics who would just assume spend their paycheck on out-of-print records instead of food Some mall kid who liked that one album that Isis (or was it Pelican) put out, and heard on a messageboard that Khanate was "br00tal" I guess it doesn't really matter so long as people take time to experience this, because that's exactly what it is: an experience.
Khanate's previous releases have always demanded complete attention - never existing as short, easily accessible songs; Capture and Release is no different. In fact, I have always thought that Khanate have continued to push their limits with each successive release. On their self-titled record, which is still today very slow and characteristically Khanate, there were moments that were almost fast in comparison to the all out dirge-like qualities of Things Viral, which have now become even more vast on Capture and Release. Listeners familiar with Khanate will know what to expect with this newest record. For those who aren't familiar with Khanate's sound, this would be as good a place as any to start; just jump in feet first.
Capture and Release once again demonstrates Khanate's ability to lead the listener through a decidedly abrasive aural experience. Containing only two songs (guess what their names are), this album is more like a full-length (clocking in at about 43 minutes, though the vinyl version of Release is a couple minutes shorter) instead of an EP. The instrumentation of Stephen O'Malley (Sunn0))), Burning Witch, Lotus Eaters), James Plotkin (Atomsmasher/Phantomsmasher), and Tim Wyskida is once again very tight considering the length of time in between given notes/chords/cymbal crashes. The sound remains similar, with guitars switching between heavy distortion, and an eerily twangy clean sound. As with previous Khanate releases, there is a very powerful bass presence that causes speakers to shake on more than one occasion throughout Capture and Release. But perhaps the most memorable element of Khanate is the tortured, and sometimes blatantly scary, vocals and lyrics of Alan Dubin. His performance on Capture and Release is potentially the most tormented sounding thing he's ever done with the group.
Bottom Line: Khanate isn't for everyone, though once the bug catches you it doesn't let go very easily. Capture and Release is a very solid album that contains many different elements from heavy and screaming to eerily light and almost relaxing. If you are up for a soul searching listening experience that might not bring you back safely, this is for you.
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