EP Review: Kishi – Khaos (Mongrel Records/Nightfear Records)

Khaos is the new EP from Angolan metal band Kishi, returning from a brief hiatus between 2020 and 2021 to record and release this new record. It will be released on the 17th of February 2023 via the South African label Mongrel Records and Portuguese Nightfear Records.

Says Kishi:

The Khaos EP reflects the band’s experience and feelings in the face of the social chaos in which the world plunged during and after the pandemic. It talks about wars and personal struggles against demons, without leaving aside Angolan mythology in the theme “69 Feiticeiros e 14 Fruxas”.

Returning to the metal fray with a mighty big bang, Kishi have a couple of years of frustration and anger to unleash upon the ears of head-bangers around the world. Kicking off with aggressive intent on 69 Feiticeiros e 14 Bruxas. The smashing and crashing of instruments matched by the gruff growl of the vocals. Yet, for all the heavy noise being created, it’s a track with some delightful groove too.

Showcasing the different styles they mix, Dead Lost Rumbled has a darker and doomier edge. Again though, it’s got a rocking rhythm that is stupidly infectious making this a track liable to give you some serious neckache.

Following that is the wild and punchy hit of Kill the Beast While It´s Wounded, before Pornographic Strategy leans into death metal territories and has some of the EPs thickest sounding riffs. The sort of stuff that makes you worship at the altar of Kishi.

Finally, it’s the stoner-infused Mona Caxito to prove that whatever Kishi pull out of their bag of tricks, they make work. The sinister vocal whispers, aggressive statements, and chuggy instrumentals is just great. What a banging EP Khaos is.

Kishi – Khaos Track Listing:

1. 69 Feiticeiros e 14 Bruxas
2. Dead Lost Rumbled
3. Kill the Beast While It´s Wounded
4. Pornographic Strategy
5. Mona Caxito

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Mongrel Records