ÇÖKÜŞ - An Hour of Lies

ÇÖKÜŞ is a doom/heavy metal band from Chicago who are new to the scene.  They have burst forth from the underground metal scene with their debut full-length album “An Hour of Lies.”

The band may be new but the members themselves are veterans of the scene, as they are made up from former members of Earthen Grave.  In addition, the members also found themselves in a variety of bands, including Vanishment, Lair of the Minotaur, Witchcryer, and The Living Fields.  In addition, they are joined by bassist Patrick Green and guitarist Steve Ligeza (Torg, Makahiya).  

Although it’s definitely rooted in a more traditional version of doom metal, I can hear some “grunge” influences as well.  It’s a rather compelling listen, they use their various influences well and create a sound all their own.  Oh, and the album is stuffed to the gills with kick ass riffs.  Despite their doom foundation, they don’t always play slow either so there are more than a few moments where the band tears it up.

Don’t let the album title fool you—this is a short but sweet 33 minute ride across 9 songs. Concentrating on these shorter bursts of doom/heavy metal romps creates a smooth flow as the album burns through its time.  Perfect for repeat listens?  Hell yes.

The best thing about the album is its undeniable energy. Based on the information given to be in the press release, it seems this release is the culmination of ten years worth of collaborations.  It seems that has definitely paid off.  I’ve no doubt that in those years there were many trials and tribulations but it's obvious the album was made with love and care for this style.  It’s a blast! 

The album begins with the acoustic intro “It Died On The Vine,” and as far as intros goes, it is pretty good because it sets up perfectly into the first full length song, “As It Falls.”

The aforementioned song is catchy as hell—and heavy as lead.  The band jumps in immediately with big riffs and the insanely awesome vocals of Mark Weiner.  Damn this dude has some pipes!  The drums and bass complement the music so well, offering a solid rhythm machine and a foundation from which the songs grow. The vocal cadence rock and rolls off the riffs, the whole band firing on all cylinders. 

“Leave It Behind,” has a hard rock aesthetic.  The intro is amazing, what with the barreling drums and guitar solo.  The soaring vocals have no issues being heard over the raucous metal but it’s the catchy chorus that sticks out the most.  The song really comes together during the solo, especially when paired with the drums.  

“Wolf Moon” is one of my favorite songs on the album.  The bass grooves in a big way for the opening moments.  By the time the minute mark has arrived, the band is throwing it down hard.  It’s moments like these that display the true power of the band.   The ending is my favorite part; melodic riffs lead into a bass drop as the crunch of the rhythm guitar hits like a hammer. 

The last song is a reprise of the intro so the last full song is the searing “Hammer To Fall.”   These riffs are VICIOUS.  Goddamn this band is heavy as hell.  The song absolutely rages throughout but still manages to be catchy and memorable.  Of course, that applies to the album as a whole as well.

With “An Hour of Lies,” ÇÖKÜŞ clearly used their years wisely in crafting this beast of a doom/heavy metal album.  A stunning debut for sure and it has definitely put them on my radar for the future.