Anatomia DNK: Konkhra

 

  

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Denmark, despite being part of the Scandinavian realm, is not really that respected in the Metal world. If I forced you (under the gun) to name some bands from Finland / Sweden / Norway, you probably wouldn't shut up for an hour or so. Heck, you probably wouldn't have problem with naming ANY artist from Iceland (Bjork, Sigur Ros anyone). But Denmark? Big unknown. And believe me, a lot of happened there, but it had a syndrom of countries less visited, who are not capable of reaching the spotlight.

I do have a theory that each country has its own Sepultura, you know, a band from "the people", who managed to have an international career. Beside Illdisposed, it's Konkhra who would be comparable to a Metal institution in Denmark. They are performing a quite outdated style, which was popular in the 90s: Groove Metal mixed with Death and maybe a pinch of Thrash.

Groove Metal hardly has much respect, and certainly loses to more popular forms of Metal, like: Thrash, Death, Black... on the internet. There is also a real world, where Groove Metal definitely triumphs, as let's be honest, in the live setting, the headbanging feels more satisfying, than at home.

Death Metal as a whole has relative easiness with fusing with other genres, as the main rule of thumb is radicalism. And in this regard, I would say Konkhra has a "conservative approach", meaning that such elements are more of a bait, as its more interested in indulging the formula with rhythm and classical-influenced melodies.

I wouldn't feel like writing all of that, if not for the fact that I was pleasantly surprised by the newest album of Konkhry. They managed to take the rather passe style, and breathe some new life into it. Quality wise, it's closes to "Spit or Swallow" / "Weed Out the Weak", era due to catchy riffs, Murphyesque solos, and various guitar tricks / techniques, which make the whole experience exciting, and give me the same goosebumps that I had, when I was listening to "Chaos AD" for the first time.

But the most amazing thing in my view is the fact that these veterans, who probably should take care of their grandchildren, still that spark and a fire in them. And still, the tooth of time hasn't taken a bite of them yet. As if Metal was preserving instead of decaying. And that's the way it should be.