RED HOT TRACK OF THE WEEK: KHEMMIS

Song

Beneath The Scythe

Artist

Khemmis

Khemmis backstory

Khemmis named their 2020 EP ‘Doomed Heavy Metal‘.

And over four albums, that’s been an apt description of their sound.

Over a bedrock of Sabbath, Priest, Maiden, Dio and Thin Lizzy, the Denver act have built towering edifices of classic metal, and like Pallbearer, they’ve put a bright modern sheen on epic doom.

The band’s star has been rising ever since their debut album, 2015’s Absolution, appeared on 20 Buck Spin.

And 11 years later, they’re ready to release their fifth full-length – a self-titled effort.

Beneath the Scythe is the second single to be taken from that opus, following Invocation of the Dreamer’s unveiling last month.

In guitarist/vocalist Ben Hutcherson’s own words

“Beneath the Scythe is a track wherein all four of us just it rip. Duelling guitar solos? Check. Ripping drum fills? Check. A beautiful bass solo over a haunting, atmospheric interlude? Check!

“In some ways, ‘Scythe’ feels like ‘classic Khemmis’ but we made sure that the song took the listener on a journey unlike anything we’ve done before.

“As always, this tune is best enjoyed at high volume while holding an ice-cold beverage in a room adorned with posters of Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, and At The Gates (RIP Tompa!).”

The verdict on Beneath The Scythe

According to Hutcherson, the band’s new album will embody “the joy of creating, experiencing, and loving heavy metal”.

And the quartet certainly sound like they’re having fun on Beneath The Scythe, as galloping riffs and arcing leads fire-up the song, and Hutcherson’s majestic vocals drive home the huge choruses.

Yes, the grandeur which we’ve come to expect remains.

And there’s a typically classy, slo-mo doom-out to savour as the song reaches its conclusion.

But the band are fully embracing the true, thunderous power of heavy metal on Beneath The Scythe.

They’re off the leash.

And they’ve seldom sounded sharper.

What’s next for Khemmis?

Khemmis will be out on June 12 via Nuclear Blast. The band be heading out on an extensive US tour with Necrofier and Wretched following its release.

Band photo by Brock Marlborough.