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Reviews

Djam Karet — New Dark Age
(Cuneiform Rune 149, 2001, CD)

by David Ashcraft, Published 2001-07-01

New Dark Age Cover art

A reinvigorated Djam Karet appears in full force to blow away their last studio recording, 1997’s The Devouring (which was in fact quite a good disc). With ace guitarist Mike Henderson back as a full-time band member the group revives the power of their live recording and also incorporates acoustic and ambient elements on New Dark Age. They have come up with the best-recorded and one of the strongest efforts in their eleven-album career. The complex compositions and empathic playing are highlights, and the band proves once again that they are at the absolute forefront of the instrumental progressive genre. The album features their trademark heavy riffs and blistering guitar solos, but there are also a few electronic interludes that recall the Suspension and Displacement CD. They are the only parts that provide a lull from the intensity and energy of the remainder of the disc. Sometimes the tunes have a quiet burn such as the ones that feature acoustic guitar, and this gives the disc a refreshing sense of balance. Gayle Ellett fleshes out the sound with keyboards on many of the songs, but the dual guitar attack of Henderson and Ellett defines the band and elevates the proceedings. Overall this is a great new disc from one of the best bands around. On a scale of one to ten it rates an eleven.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 22, 2001 releases

Related artist(s): Djam Karet, Mike Henderson, Chuck Oken, Gayle Ellett

More info
http://djamkaret.bandcamp.com/album/new-dark-age

 

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