Reviewed by Ian Webber

To pigeonhole this release would be a near impossible task. Kekal hail from Jakarta, Indonesia, are now based in Canada and produce an experimental blend of styles to create their own avant-garde heavy sound. Although the music is essentially guitar-driven, elements from outside metal are combined skilfully. Throughout the recording you are just as likely to hear progressive rock as you are ambient passages and even electronica. This, their sixth album, is well produced and showcases the band's clean vocal harmonies and stirring electronic riffs. Offering broad soundscapes and dissonant synths the progressive-tinged tracks are slightly reminiscent of Marillion whilst harder tracks occasionally resemble Mortal. Lyrically the album deals with the urbanized modern world and the corruption of humanity. I did, however, find the themes obscure and difficult to follow. At just over 70 minutes, this concept album required several listens to appreciate all its elements fully and although it was not immediately accessible, the listener is assaulted with a wide range of musical styles. But, in truth 'The Habit Of Fire' was not an easy listen.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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