Many Things Afflict Us Few Things Console Us is definitely a mouthful and the CD release is more than an earful. Consisting of eighteen industrial iterations, the CD and digital versions have seven more tracks than the vinyl editions, so waxheads should certainly seek out the other formats as well. Khost have said that the inspiration for many of the songs has come from their live shows and soundchecks, which often lead to "extreme, harsh electronics." While this adds extra flavor to their longer tracks, it's most evident on shorter stabs like "Shard," "Cheapside," and "Hands In Broken Time" (the first two are not on the LP). Pulling back from some harsher elements, the main focus is doomy, thick industrial, and Khost keeps their finger on this pulse. In what will most likely be the song that is featured on Cold Spring's numerous sampler compilations, "The Fifth Book of Agrippa" adds some luxurious textures to the gloom with inspired and engaging cello work from Jo Quail. Giving the new album a different vibe very early on, Khost shows that their four years off from recording has been put to good use and that they're continuing to further themselves as artists. But those looking for the plodding, Godflesh-y industrial will be pleased as well, with bombers like "Death Threat," "Apotropaic," "Incinerator," and "Death Car." I feel, though, the most interesting tracks on this release are those that seem to stretch Khost to their furthest. Not only in terms of being able to pull the sound off, but being able to fit them into this mix. Although very long, the CD version has a number of treasures here and it's extremely worth putting the time into. For example, "Face" has a sort of mid-90's industrial groove that could work in a club scenario, as does "Transfixed." "Define the Edge of Someone" focuses more on guitar and reverbed layers, feeling like something akin to lighter Skullflower, and not too far from this is "TVSB," which lessens the grime even more and turns up the psychedelia. Lastly, there are two remixes, Bereneces' take on this album's "Death Threat" and Adrian Stainburner's look at "Yellow Light" from Buried Steel. Both are intriguing new visions of Khost's work and wrap up a very hearty CD quite nicely.

 

With plenty of heaviness to ruin your day, Khost's Many Things Afflict Us Few Things Console Us is a heaping slab of industrial goodness. Their doomy vision gets an interesting makeover here, but always with the intent to expand, rather than limit or replace. The extra tracks on the CD and digital versions pull back Khost's mask and open up more of their world and influences. Adding this different material strengthens by juxtaposition and shows the listener just how deep this band can delve. Whether these tracks hint at changes in direction or are just a way to widen their sound and scope, they're well done and very welcome.