Kekal
The Habit of Fire

By Andrew F.

Open Grave Records, May 2007
Style: “Urban Avantgarde Metal”
Website: www.kekalonline.com
Rating: 3.5/5

After 10 years of existence as a band, KEKAL decided to move forward and to come deep into musical territories yet unexplored by the band. Kekal's new direction can be described as a unique form of "experimental heavy rock" with a liberal use of electronic elements to accompany their trademark guitar-driven soundscapes. The new direction fully described on their ambitious sixth album "The Habit of Fire", an over 70-minute epic avant-garde concept album which will be released in 2007. “The Habit of Fire" is the band's most ambitious and compelling release so far. Over 70 minutes epic concept album of Urban Avantgarde Metal, incorporating elements from jazz, prog-rock, post-rock, trip-hop, industrial, ambient and experimental electronic music. The music on "The Habit of Fire" lets the listeners to take the dark sonic journey through the various events of urban life.” – Website Info

The Habit of Fire has got to be one of the strangest albums I have ever heard. As the description above says, there are so many different musical styles put into this record, it’s often random as well as confusing. When the first track, “The Gathering of Ants” comes on, your ears will be bombarded by musical contrasts and irregularities. The band has said that The Habit of Fire is a musical representation of urban lifestyles. It definitely provides another layer to an album that is already very deep with concepts, both lyrically and musically. The guitar, throughout the entire album, is phenomenal. There are many different guitar solos, licks, and effects used in the vein of Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello. The drumming also has a large variety, switching from Industrial-tinged beats to traditional bass-heavy rhythm. If any of this review is making sense, I’m glad, because I am having such a hard time describing this album. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. It is truly the strangest record I’ve ever listened to. The last band I heard that was this creative wasShowbread. You really have to listen for yourself to find out exactly what I’m talking about!

The vocals are again all over the place! There are tons of effects and distortions used on them. Rarely does Jeff ever sing without making his voice sound hollow, or watery, or even like a woman! All 3 members contribute vocals, so there are several moments where they sing together, and it’s during those brief sections that you may believe they are a normal band! On the song “Postlude: Saat Kemarau”, all of the vocals are done by a computerized female vocalist. That is how crazy it can get. Lyrically, this band takes a very vague approach to songwriting. “The Gathering of Ants” appears to be about how our economy survives because of grunts, the “ants”. Other songs touch base on depression, living as a free person, and how people obsess over how the world will end. The Habit of Fire is one of the most experimental albums I’ve ever heard. If you enjoy chaotic creativity, definitely give them a listen.