(CD, Yellow House Recordings, 2011)
KYPCK (pronounced ‘Kursk’) is a very special band from Finland. First of all, the use of the Russian language in the lyrics, although they are coming from the land of the thousand lakes, is a kind of mystery. Their instruments are also weird since their guitarist, who is the well known Sami Lopakka from SENTENCED uses something like a Kalashnikov shape guitar that is called Lopashnikov. And if that is not strange enough, then know that their bassist’s instrument includes one string only, sounding so heavy like ten thousands elephants!
The band started in 2007 and “Cherno” was their first album released by Century Media. Probably that didn’t work out and now they unleash this one in a something like self – financed way that make me wonder about its distribution ‘cause they made a much better release this time and it deserves to be known. Besides, everything seems so professional (in a good way) that makes “Nizhe” (translating into ‘lower’) most interesting. For example, the production is very good. The sound is amazing with power, volume including some nice tricks inside that will not make you bored at all even if you’ll be listening to the same riff for some minutes. The strings and the drumming have been worked so good that sometimes I think that each note inside has its own personality.
As for the music now; the best term you can use here is probably Doom Metal although you must keep in mind the whole SENTENCED pessimism as it was unleashed after “Amok”. It’s not something like a part two of the previous band but I guess the major of Finland’s fans will find interesting things here. Most of the songs reflect solitude, darkness and isolation and all these with a cold veil around, like you are banished in Siberia. The whole mystery and uncertainty rise up with this Russian background making the above feelings much stronger. Tracks like “Chuzhoi”, “Felitsa” or “Razryv” have a dreamy, monotonous style that may be difficult for some to follow, but on the other, there are songs like “Burlaki Na Volge”, “Posle” or the super hit “Alleya Stalina” that have some melodies and refrains that will haunt you. The good voice of Erkki Sepponen helps a lot for this as you can see in the weird video clip below for “Alleya Stalina”. “Nizhe” can easily capture your interest and since a trip to the icy Siberian landscapes is impossible, this album can make it happen, provided you have your eyes closed.
7/10
Links:
www.Kypck-Doom.Com
www.MySpace.Com/Kypck
www.FaceBook.Com/Kypck-Headquarters
Tracklist:
01. Gifarus
02. Posle (After)
03. Alleya Stalina (The Alley Of Stalin)
04. Chuzhoi (Stranger)
05. Felitsa
06. Razryv (Rupture)
07. Burlaki Na Volge (Burlaks On The Volga)
08. Bardak (Brothel)
09. Tovarishcham (Comrades)
10. Vals Smerti (Death Waltz)
Lineup:
Erkki Sepponen - Vocals
Sami S. Lopakka - Guitars
J. T. Ylo-Rautio - Bass
Kai H. M. Hiilesmaa - Drums