Today 20 Buck Spin announces a collaboration with Khemmis from Denver, Colorado. The band's first album 'Absolution' will be released by 20 Buck Spin, with the CD / Digital released on July 7th and the LP to follow in August. Read the press release from our PR squad Earsplit PR below.
Olympia, Washington-based 20 Buck Spin has hooked up with Denver, Colorado's doom quartet KHEMMIS for the band's impending debut LP, Absolution, which is coming together for release later this Summer amidst pervasive touring from the band.
20 Buck Spin has, over the course of the last ten years, worked with the best of the best in the crowded doom genre; bands as diverse as Samothrace, Graves At Sea, Pallbearer, Yob, Mournful Congregation, Lycus, Atlantean Kodex and more. In that tradition, the label is proud to present KHEMMIS, a quartet from Denver, who, on their debut full-length Absolution brings components of many of the aforementioned label alumni and forge a venerable testament to what heavy doom rock is in 2015.
The six meticulously crafted songs on Absolution reveal a level of musicianship and writing skill seldom heard on debut albums. Often within the scope of a single song, KHEMMIS veers effortlessly between the crushing heaviness of Southern sludge and the somber melodies of traditional doom metal, cohesively weaving the disparate styles into their own immediately recognizable form. Vocally, KHEMMIS also utilizes a dual approach, sometimes harsh and guttural, but generally through a stunningly smooth classic doom/heavy rock delivery that even adamant fans of Pete Stahl and Wino will applaud. The powerfully adept rhythm section perfectly anchor the towering riff mastery and colorful dual guitar harmonies, all brought together by Dave Otero's (Cobalt, Nightbringer) pitch perfect production work.
From the album opener "Torn Asunder" to closing track "The Bereaved," the latter of which will stand as THE doom track of 2015, Absolution positions KHEMMIS among the highlight surprises of the year. The band is most certainly a live act and will tour at intervals throughout the remainder of 2015, including a planned West Coast run in Summer 2015. Fans of Goatsnake, Pallbearer, Samothrace, Graves At Sea, Red Fang and Yob should keep the name KHEMMIS at the top of their list of bands to watch this year. The album's Fantastic Frazetta inspired cover art by Sam Turner (Speedwolf, Black Breath, Trve Brewing) and track listing have been divulged.
Absolution Track Listing:
1. Torn Asunder
2. Ash, Cinder, Smoke
3. Serpentine
4. Antediluvian
5. Burden Of Sin
6. The Bereaved
I said all last year that The Bereaved was the best song that nobody has heard. Stoked for that to change this year!
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Mark Pitt
June 26, 2015
I love doom it is a reminder, of blues of the 20s and 30s and 60s and 70s. But more evil. I am so interested in this music. To the point i wish to start a doom metal band. I am so enthused about the occult rock revival true heavy mysic should have feminine and masculine aspects. Please hit me up I am very interested in making new friends in this swag of music Khemmis is better than Pallbearers debut. Thanks.