Kaikuja by ASHTAR
Translated from Finnish as “Echoes,” Kaikuja is aptly titled, for its dense-yet-spacious soundwalls bear a rich ‘n’ reverberating strength. Trace elements of black metal and doom exist once again, but are further spliced with the DNA of drone, sludge, and even post-rock, making for a heady (and HEAVY) brew that’s seemingly served up with ease by ASHTAR. And even more so than the debut, for a band that’s “merely” a duo, these five epic-length songs emit an almost-impossible density, bewitchingly revealing new layers with each listen. And at nearly 40 minutes, the landscape ASHTAR paint here is far more vast than that compact runtime suggests.
Open your ears and receive the resounding echoes of ASHTAR’s Kaikuja!
"If you like your music heavy, moody and ominous, but also laced with filigree threads of melody, then this is for you. Kaikuja’s layered sound offers things to discover for many run-throughs…" (Ave Noctum)
"The earth freezes to ice and the army of the dead is on the rise when this album plays. "Kaikuja" is an album for the continuous loop like a circular apocalypse." (Silence Magazine)
"Kaikuja is one of the most noteworthy albums of 2020 so far…" (Metalstorm)
"The balanced mix between Black and Doom Metal is simply brilliant ..." (Metal Factory)
Tracklist
| 1. | Aeolus | 5:40 |
| 2. | Between Furious Clouds | 13:47 |
| 3. | Bloodstones | 7:07 |
| 4. | The Closing | 5:30 |
| 5. | (She is) Awakening | 6:53 |
Credits
Marko Lehtinen - Drums, Guitars, Vocals
Witch N. - Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Violin
All songs by Ashtar.
Lyrics by Witch N.
Produced by Ashtar.
Recorded by Ramon Vaca at Helium Records in Basel/Switzerland.
Guitar sound assistance by Simon Jameson.
Vocals recorded by Mäthe Imboden at OSA Crypt in Greifensee/Switzerland.
Mixed and mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios in Birmingham/UK.
Logo by Antï Graphic.
Front cover painting by Amunra.
Band photo by Martin Graf Fotografie.
Artwork and Layout by Valkenstijn.
