We all have seen examples of bands coming around and revisiting old material whether it be because the band in question wants to give a modern update to fond memories or mere cash grabs. I’ve never really been one to look forward to redos like that simply because I tend to prefer the original takes better, but there are exceptions with that as there are with everything else. Seeing that Black Kirin had revisited their debut material I knew that I was going to be absolutely taken by it right off the bat, and I couldn’t be any more pleased with the final results!

I’d be lying if I said I have been listening to “Qinhuai” for some time now, but I have not been able to simply because I haven’t found anywhere to listen to the original material so this was really my first time going into “Qinhuai” in every way. If I didn’t know that this was “old” material, I would’ve thought this was completely fresh and thrilled because it has that same stamp of approval that Black Kirin puts over all the albums that I’ve heard from them over the last few years, but if you look for it, you can really hear the very beginnings of what Black Kirin has been dishing out for years in the structure of the songs and their composition. Yet, the quality is far from lacking. It would appear Black Kirin has always been a force to reckon with, and “Qinhuai” is a glimpse into the past while embracing the present that is nigh on rewarding for any fan of the band from beginning to end. Whether it’s the amazing work that was poured into the opener to make it an absolute marvel, a brief but incredible piece of instrumental tranquility, or an onslaught of that traditional Chinese sound mixed with voracious metal that Black Kirin has all but perfected at this point, there isn’t much to not enjoy about “Qinhuai” if you’re even a little into this kind of style as it has just about everything that any fan could ask for.

While I’d rather hear brand new and fresh material from a band like this whenever I get a notification from Bandcamp about their activity, I can’t help but feel immensely content with this revisit that does nothing but justice for not only the original spirit that Black Kirin started out with but also a fond look at their journey that is still going on with more strength than ever. No matter which way you slice it, “Qinhuai” is a respectable album that has enough for years upon years of enjoyment to be had.

LISTEN to “Qinhuai” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Black Kirin on Facebook here.