Karla Kvlt - Thunderhunter

Karla Kvlt is a German band who combines doom metal with sludge and post-rock elements.  The band was formed by guitarist Markus E. Lipka, the driving force behind alternative/noise rock band Eisenvater.  His son, Johann Wientjes, joins him on drums/synths and his daughter-in-law, Teresa Matilda Curtens supplies bass and vocals; both are in the band Melting Palms.

To be honest,  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this release—I’ve never heard of any of the musicians or the bands they are from. To be further honest, I usually avoid anything with the tags ‘alternative,’ and ‘noise,’ but I also saw the words doom, sludge, and post in the press release so I dived fully into this release.

I’m glad I took a chance because “Thunderhunter,” is a darkly unapologetic raw album that embraces a lot of styles while still firmly belonging to the doom/sludge genre.  It’s atmospheric as hell, using its distortion to sprawl out like some intangible force that suffocates everything in its path. 

It’s a subtle album with a lot of depth, which is yet more reasons to like it.  While definitely intense and emotionally cathartic, the album presents itself on its own terms.  Many listens will be required for absorption to take full effect but with a runtime of just 37 minutes over 7 songs, repeated listens won’t be an issue. 

I really like the production/mix as well.  The sound is very spacious, allowing each album to be heard clearly.  But it’s also bottomless, each spike of throbbing bass, caustic riff, and drum hit existing in an infinite well that holds all this darkness.  

The tempo is slow, rarely getting above mid-paced—if it gets that fast.  If you’re a doom/sludge/atmo fan like me then it won’t be a problem and, if anything, it makes the album even better.  

Teresa is a more than capable bassist but it’s her vocals that take center stage for the songs.  I’m a sucker for female cleans with heavy music; there is just something about ghostly, ethereal vocals mixing with dark, heavy music that has always appealed to me.  Teresa is definitely one of the better examples of the style I’ve heard in some years.  

The album begins with “Karma,” and simple but atmospheric drums that kind of have a tribal beat to them.  Johann’s style is very interesting: forceful, driving but comfortable in working within ambient soundscapes and liminal spaces. Markus’ guitars are deceptively simple, sort of stalking through the song structure to blanket dismal darkness upon it. 

“Swallowed,” opens with synths/soundscapes, also courtesy of Johann, and deep bass tones.  It’s a rather unsettling effect but it brings both the band’s atmospheric and post leanings, while keeping it abrasive like any good doom/sludge band should be.  The build up is fantastic, the band showcasing their seemingly effortless ability to build up a song using minimal structures that remain engaging.  The first half of the song embraces their post-rock elements but the slow rumble of earthquake heaviness builds up near the end.  

“Hekate,” is a much more traditional song that leans on actual riffs and bass notes, plus some pretty well played guitar leads.  The bass is ultra heavy, complimenting the groove of the guitars in the later half of the song.  The last minute or so is a slow motion car crash, the choppy doom/sludge riffs meeting head on with the drums like two cars meeting, their metal twisting and melting as the damage becomes paramount. 

The final, and title, track is perhaps the best song on the album and the only way it could end. It’s doom just like it should be:  low, slow, and heavy.  The riffs are agonizing in their approach, representing an oncoming danger that kills you slowly in trepidation.  Without vocals, the song settles into a filthy, almost alien sound that could be the soundtrack for the end of the world. 

All in all, Karla Kvlt’s “Thunderhunter,” is an exceptional early year surprise for me and I suggest that anyone who is a fan of heavy, atmospheric music also give it a chance—I think you’ll find it a worthwhile dark horse. 

Rating: Excellent