I feel it’s extremely obvious to say that the online servings of black metal that we’re treating with every single day are no less than immensely diverse. Example: Bandcamp is always dominated by atmospheric black metal. But what else is there to behold? What of the lesser explored regions? Well, luckily for you, I do my own research and that search has led me to Great Rapids, Michigan where it’s Dakhma who’ve shown what other mastery of black metal there is to behold in this wide world of ours.

Not to be confused with the acts of the even lesser known Dakhma from California and the infinitely darker Dakhma from Switzerland, this Dakhma is one that practices a very specific type of black metal that is just as potent as it is unorthodox. Speaking of being unorthodox, how often is it that we’re given an EP that is but two tracks? “Often enough” you may say, and fair enough! Now, what if I said that those two tracks totaled over 40 minutes and that they made for an extremely dynamic and entertaining piece, to say the least? Well, don’t think too hard and instead just listen to “Suna Kulto” because that’s exactly what it is (if you weren’t able to guess). The entirety of what Dakhma has created here is something that’s no less than truly stunning and a real voyage to go on if you dare to brave all of “Suna Kulto” in one go. What we’re given is a beautiful demonstration of how the guitarist can make melodies of both soothing and maddening kinds, a set of vocals that sound so strained at all times but always have such character to them that they’re impossible to ignore, and a drummer who’s speed and skill are fucking applause worthy even in their dullest moments. “Suna Kulto” has a real good variety of flavors to it that helps progress it at all times, and the sheer levels of musicianship that we’re given by Dakhma makes this experience all the more delicious if you ask me.

Even though Dakhma is still a pretty new band in comparison, their mature sound and massive levels of depth that we’re shown here prove that they’re no pushovers despite what you might think. Perhaps a real dynamic blend of black and post metal combined with a will to make music is all that’s on Dakhma’s mind, and I’d be just fine with that. “Suna Kulto” is a magnificent testament to what Dakhma can do with their style, and it’s the type of shit I’d absolutely come back for many times over.

LISTEN “Suna Kulto” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Dakhma on Facebook here.