Things Viral

"Things Viral" unfolds with a dense, oppressive atmosphere that is characteristic of Khanate's distinct interpretation of doom metal. The album combines crushing guitar tones with an unsettling, almost hypnotic pace, blending elements of drone and noise that create an immersive soundscape. The use of heavily distorted, downtuned guitars and minimalist drumming enhances the feeling of weight, while the sparse yet haunting vocals serve as a chilling counterpoint to the instrumentation. The production choices contribute significantly to the overall experience; the rawness of the sound captures the visceral essence of the genre, allowing every note to resonate with a palpable intensity. Tracks like "Bloodletting" showcase the band's ability to balance moments of crushing heaviness with eerie, ambient interludes, evoking a sense of dread that lingers long after the music stops. Contextually, "Things Viral" arrives in the early 2000s, a time when experimental metal begins to carve out new paths, moving away from traditional structures in favor of more avant-garde approaches. Khanate's work resonates with the broader underground scene that embraces dissonance and unconventional forms. Their music reflects a certain nihilism, mirroring the anxieties of a post-9/11 world, making it not just an album but a reflection of its time. Overall, "Things Viral" stands as a challenging yet rewarding listen, inviting those willing to engage with its dark, labyrinthine sound to explore the depths of human emotion and experience.