Khost — Corrosive Shroud

British industrial doom duo, Khost, made their official debut on Cold Spring in 2014 with Copper Lock Hell. Their much anticipated follow up, Corrosive Shroud, shows the act once again building an intense link between doom metal and industrial, two acts not often associated together. Heavy, fuzzy guitars, low, metallic drums, and twisted electronics add a level of machine terror not seen quite enough these days. As engaging as it is punishing, Khost's sophomore effort is enough to make even the most jaded fan fairly depressed (in a good way, of course!).

Following a very brief, recorded vocal lead in, the heavy and distorted opening riff clues the listener in to the grim album that lies ahead. Slowly moving, but never loitering, "Avici" starts Corrosive Shroud off on the right foot. Lugubrious guitars play as if they're being covered in tar as the song progresses. Well punctuated by industrial percussion, "Avici" manages to move forward despite what the riffs are trying to do. Distant electronics and growling vocals add extra layers of depth to an already thick track. This opener not only works to get the listener involved in the album, but also sets up a blueprint for the tracks that follow. Metallic, fuzzy, and somewhat grimy, the layers of sound are poured on top of a hearty, industrial skeleton. There are some lovely flourishes added, too, that showcase Khost's song-crafting ability even further. On top of the thick riff and vile vocals, "Red Spot" features shrieking horns that somehow add both an air of warmth and of coldness to a thoroughly bleak track. "Vmih" and its thudding bass nearly eschews drums for the sake of a minimal, tribal type of groove, while "Bystander" increases the fuzzy noise and pushes the drums to a layer far in the back. The focus on the higher notes is a nice juxtaposition to the previous low, super heavy tracks.

Khost's Corrosive Shroud takes one theme and runs with it. However, when this theme is handled skillfully (as it is on this album), the songs blend together in a very convincing way, and the album becomes a whole. While I was unfamiliar with this duo before getting this release, I will definitely check out their previous album and keep my eyes out for their future releases.