When black metal dares to get even a little weird, there is no such thing as only going halfway with it. It’s such that the sound really does feel as though it’s only ever at both ends of the spectrum of extremity where one end represents the totally normal and par-for-the-course black metal we all know with the other end showing off bewildering realms that most of us never even dared to contemplate could come to life. For some though, they manage the seemingly impossible feat of treading that middle line to present us with a creation that draws us in with something relatively familiar before showing us new sights altogether. Kamra showcased that with their debut EP last year, but it’s with their upcoming full-length album that we see this band transform into something downright beastly.

There are plenty of bands out there that never once feel content to sit in the same style for long with plenty feeling as though there is far too much out there to be left in simply one sound, and then there are those that simply aren’t easy to be pinned down with their sound all but twisting the very fabric of what the sound has always been no matter how long it has been around for. While far from the craziest example of such that I’ve come across, Kamra’s first go at a full-length album certainly fits that description to a wondrous degree. Throughout the weaving passages and before the fires of “Cerebral Alchemy”, Kamra always knows how to keep us guessing as to what precisely comes next with each track vastly different in many ways than the last whether it’s with what different realms of metal are being pulled from or something as seemingly simple as a change in the vocal performance offering up change that is absolutely wild in many instances. Filled with progressive tendencies that take the darkest turns I’ve ever seen while never once bending the knee to become any sort of accessible for those not ready to lose themselves in the dense dark forest that Kamra calls home, “Cerebral Alchemy” quickly establishes itself as a beast that is not to be underestimated whatsoever.

An effort whose weaving trails are not to be taken lightly with the very darkness of the realm playing a key role in what is brought forth here, Kamra should be able to look upon this effort with real pride for what’s been accomplished in its 42-minute runtime. “Cerebral Alchemy” has come just over a year after the band’s debut which signals a rapid progression in the band’s sound and a mastery that cannot be ignored such that the future is viciously bright should Kamra simply seize that destiny for themselves.

“Cerebral Alchemy” releases on November 18th via Avantgarde Music!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Cerebral Alchemy” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

LIKE Kamra on Facebook here.