Hailing initially from the Middle East, but now residing in Amsterdam, Kaoteon are set to release their new album on February 23 titled Damnatio Memoriae (which translates to the punishment of eradicating a person or figure from all memory or mention). This band has faced some censorship in the form of jail time and having police raids on their homes because of their musical style. If that doesn’t piss a person off and make them want to prove themselves more, I don’t know what will. And Kaoteon have definitely proven themselves. Full time members include Anthony Kaoteon (guitar) and Walid Wolflust (vocals). Special guests filling out the roster is Linus Klausenitzer (bass, from the band Obscura) and Fredrik Widigs (drums, from the band Markduk). Combined together, they formulated a brutal east meets west blacked death metal opus.
The blistering track Damnatio Memoriae starts off the pace at full speed, grabbing you by the throat and demanding to be recognized. The majority of the tracks presented are neck breaking, headbanging, sinister sounds with no regrets. It’s not until the last track, A Breath, in which you finally get a breather to slow down and reflect on what you just heard. Riffing is chaotic enough but controlled in its delivery. Drums include blast beats, double bass drums and sweat inducing speed. Bass lines are intricate and give a perfect compliment to the savagery of each song. Vocals stand out quite a bit; while listening to this, I could at times feel the anger bleeding through and displaying part of what the band has been through to deliver a stellar album. Quite a feat indeed.
Review by Rene Botello for Rock All Photography Music Magazine
Pre orders are available at their bandcamp page below.
Track Listing:
- Damnatio Memoriae
- Barren Lands
- Raging HellFire
- Venom of Exalt
- The Will
- Non Serviam
- Light of Compassion
- Into the Mouth of Kaos
- A Breath
You can find Kaoteon online at the following:
