Khaldera – Alteration (Review)

Khaldera are from Switzerland. They play post-metal and this is their second EP.

Khaldera play their music as an instrumental band with plenty of atmosphere.

Weaving heavy, down-beat grooves with atmospheric doom and post-metal contemplation, this 18 minute EP has a lot to recommend itself.

The band effectively work the post-metal build/release mechanic to their favour, mixing in a bit of progressive sludge metal for good measure.

These three songs ably show what the band are capable of, and I found myself quickly warming to their output. Instrumental music can sometimes be a bit of a hit-or-miss affair for me, as the lack of a singer can sometimes rob the band of a focal point if they’re not good enough at what they do. However, Alteration has what it takes to hold attention, never suffering from the lack of a vocalist.

This is a well-recorded EP that sees the band flex their considerable musical muscles, seemingly warming up for what will hopefully eventually see a full-length from them. At the moment though, Alteration is enough of a first taste, and it tastes good.

Impending Tempest acts as a doom-laden introduction to the EP, while Afterglow works as an ambient outro. Both tracks bookend the EP’s centrepiece, The Inevitability of Transition, which is the main event here in many ways.

An enjoyable release from an enjoyable band. Check it out.

For fans of Russian Circles, Minsk, Isis, Cult of Luna, etc.