II (II - Krux)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	II - Krux
Date:	02/09/08 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classic doom style for classic doom fans.

Disadvantages: Lacks original ideas.

Krux is a traditional doom metal band from Sweden led by bassist Leif Edling (of the legendary Candlemass), following an unadulterated doom style unimpeded by modern off-shoots of the genre. The vocals avoid death metal growls and the guitars are heavy without conceding to modern production values, while the minimalist keyboards add a great atmosphere to song such as opener 'Devil Sun.'

While this isn't the most creative doom metal album out there, it will still doubtless appeal to genre fans for including all the right ingredients, from the haunting 'Serpent' that resists the temptation to speed up even as it approaches a loud crescendo, to the stoner riffs of 'Lex Lucifero' and ultimately the somewhat more accessible groove of 'The Big Empty.' The songs aren't overlong as doom metal frequently falls into the trap of, meaning that they remain compelling throughout, something enhanced significantly by the frequent changes of tempo.

1. Devil Sun
2. Serpent
3. Sea of Doom
4. Lex Lucifero
5. Pirates of the Black Hand
6. Depressive Strokes of Indigo
7. Too Close to Evil
8. The Big Empty

Summary: Krux's second album (2006).