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Here we have the great, late Pan-Thy-Monium's 2nd full-length LP, "Khaoohs". So, let's delve into this twisted slab of experimental madness. Consisting of various members of Edge Of Sanity (including near demi-god Dan Swanö :D), and other groups, Pan-Thy-Monium splashed upon a decidedly chuggy, downtuned death metal blueprint the finer points of experimental instrumentation. "Khaoohs" has all the hallmarks of an exceptional death-metal album, and more. The first song, "I Månens Sken Dog En Skugga", is less an actual song, and more a collage of insane, freaky noises, including clicking clocks and scary machines. It's an effective opening, setting the mood nicely. The first proper song, "Under Ytan", kicks straight into a groovy metal riff with ringing bell noises and cool picked-bass in the background, some really funky soloing and soon, heavy grunting from Karlsson. "Under Ytan" has a real funk-metal vibe to it and some nice keyboard effects from Dan Swanö. Great song. "Jag & Vem" takes a page straight from its predecessor and lays down some groovy riffs and bass, with a midsection of wailing trumpets and tribal tom-rhythms. "Lava" slows down the pace and ups the experimentation, starting with a doom-laden, heavy opening replete with gurgly growls. Following this, squealing trumpets and odd sound effects make an appearance, creating a truly DEMENTED atmosphere. The song speeds up and grooves along with awesome keyboard melodies, some drum-blasting makes an appearance, then some fine solos, moving into a heavily gothic section with a virtual choir. The ease with which the band melds together and moves between styles is admirable, and one of the reasons why Pan-Thy-Monium is so unusual but also such damn fun listening. "Lömska Försåt" is my highlight of the album. Opening with a truly delicious bass-line, it gives way to infectiously groovy riffs, brilliant guitar melodies and keyboards, wailing trumpets, intense blasting, the song has got everything and emobodies the spirit of Pan-Thy-Monium. Anything goes, and given the chance, anything can succeed. Pan-Thy-Monium, although experimental, never forced their art in an attempt to outwit the listener, in other words their style sounds organic and natural. Both startlingly unique in the use of diverse instrumentation to a core, death metal sound, and in a way, quite accessible and easy to stomach, Pan-Thy-Monium forged a clearly original style, completely apart from the death metal norm and yet often appropriating it to serve their music. Another highlight is "Khaoohs I", which displays a sense of humour with ridiculously overplayed crowd noises accompanying the music, as well as some amusing effects on Karlsson's growls. An excellent addition to the Pan-Thy-Monium catalogue, "Khaoohs" is second only to the near-perfect "Dawn Of Dreams".
| Tracklist |
| 1. I Månens Sken Dog En Skugga |
| 2. Under Ytan |
| 3. Jag & Vem |
| 4. Lava |
| 5. Lömska Försåt |
| 6. I Vindens Våld |
| 7. Klieveage |
| 8. Ekkhoeece III |
| 9. Khaoohs I |
| 10. Utsikt |
| 11. Khaoohs II |
: 44.28
| Buy other Pan-Thy-Monium albums |
