Kauan



2007 - Lumikuuro

Reviews:

Maelstrom Zine
issue #62 June/July, 2008
(8,5/10)

Kauan is a Russian band that uses both moniker, song titles and lyrics in Finnish — strange but not unwelcome. It's not as if it would have made a lot more sense had they used English for its lyrical delivery.

Unfortunarely, not much happens on Lumikuuro in terms of originality. Kauan strongly echoes the works of Yearning (With Tragedies Adorned), Lacrimosa (Inferno) and even that of Dawn of Dreams (Amber; and even that particular album, released in 1996, was already extremely derivative twelve years ago) in such a blatant way, one can only wonder — and ponder on this ever-bemusing and discouraging concept: originality.

Black metal distinctive rasps, gentle and dominant electric piano interludes, some howling — at times silky and soothing — both female and male vocals and slow-paced melodies in general; you've been there all too many times. So have I.

Had I listened to this album, say, 10 years ago, 15 maybe, I would have loved it. It is beautiful in its tranquil, semi-melancholic way, but the fact it offers nothing in terms of singularity, originality and challenging listening experience, I would not recommend it to the underground veterans among you. However, if you are purveyors of the musical expressions that walk on that fine seam between darkwave, melodic black metal and Gothic rock with hints of folk music (a beautiful flute, or flute-like synth and the sparse clean singing), you may want to check it out.

The bottom line? Not bad, but neither too engaging.


Reviewed by: Chaim Drishner

The Metal Crypt
(march 2008)
(3,5/5)

I'm throwing this one into the Doom Metal genre, but it's really more of a mix of Doom and Folk. Lumikuuro is a very "quiet" release that puts more emphasis on atmosphere than on actual metallic moments - which seems to be the norm on BadMoodMan Music. The album has everything from acoustic passages - including a good dose of violin - to heavy Doom-ish riffage. The violin parts are particularly well done, setting the pace for soothing, melancholic but not really depressing atmosphere. The guitar work isn't flashy, but rather kind of monotone, raw and "grinding" in the background, with the vocals driving the show. The vocals vary between clean and growl-ish, each style appropriately used depending on the musical style of the moment. This is not the type of music one will headbang to, but rather something to relax to. Most of the stuff here is quiet enough that non-metallers wouldn't run away scared (hmmm OK, I do know a few who consider Boston too heavy so...) If you're in the mood for something that's light on the metal and heavy on the rest, Lumikuuro is probably what you need.


Reviewed by: Michel Renaud

Burning Black
(april 2008)

Kauan is a quite young Russian band formed in 2005 and “Lumikuuro” is their first and penultimate effort (as far as I know the band have already recorded a second full length called “Kauan - Tietдjдn Laulu” to be released this year through BMM Music). The eclectic, tranquil, yet obscure musical proposal this trio delivers here, includes diverse influences of styles such Folk, Doom and Atmospheric Black Metal and blend them into a quite original, obscure and beautiful musical piece. Some reminiscences of early Empyrium’s albums can be heard along this opus, complemented by some tranquil Tenhi-inspired acoustic folk passages. The obscurity is also present during the 43 minutes this album lasts, in shape of ripping, infernal voices, solemn choruses and some disturbing, gloomy melodies; all these elements are perfectly amalgamated creating an intense and dismal blackish aura, which is perfectly harmonized by the most tranquil folk-laden passages, contributing with a remarkable eclecticism and mixture. The variety and musical simplicity are one of the strongest points of this release, keeping the listener completely immerse into the magnificent atmospheres that surrounds this album. This album is capable to transport you through the infinite depths of introspection; every time you listen to this album an entirely new trip being… even when “Lumikuuro” is a pretty simple and sober musical work, new arranges and atmospheres can be found after several listenings… This album is definitely an impressive debut, a coherent and harmonic piece of music full of obscurity, intensity and, at the same time, full of beauty and majestic simplicity… Everyone into Folk/Ambient, Melodic Doom Metal and even Folkish Atmospheric Black Metal should take a listened to this impressive debut; you’ll certainly find here an underground jewel worthy of interest… Absolutely recommendable!!


Reviewed by: AP

Burning Misery
(april 2008)
(5/5)

From Russia comes a band born into the realms of beauty and darkness mixed with elegance in their music. Kauan has released a very impressive sophomore entity entitled, “Lumikuuro”. “Lumikuuro” takes the listener into a sorrowful, but beautiful path throughout the album. A mix of operatic feel with an electronic sense really dignifies the release also. Kauan takes you into uncharted territory of the folk music and doom metal placed together. All of this makes up one of the most killer doom metal/dark metal albums. “Lumikuuro” also gives you a classical feeling to the music. Every track is made with such precise timing and talent; it’s hard to believe they are underground instead of mainstream. Even a black metal style of ambient music is mixed well into the album. The production is very clean and very good. 10 tracks totaling 43 minutes of music. Kauan give you a great album, but they don’t over do their songs like certain bands do, playing a twenty saga. Their songs are well played and well written without a flaw. I can feel it; Kauan is going to be something big in the future. I recommend “Lumikuuro” to fans of ambient metal and complete stoner doom or regular doom metal. Bands like Opeth and Katatonia are of similar taste, but in no way do they sound alike. Every song on the release is great, but these songs will really stand out, “Alku”, “Lumikuuro”, and “Villiruusu. If you like a dark journey into metal without a predictable ending then Kauan is the band for you. They are totally exceptional!!! 10/10


Reviewed by: Alex

The Metal Observer
(march 2008)
(7,5/10)

Well, clearly, when a band takes their name from a TENHI album, sounds like TENHI and VIIKATE, and sing in Finnish, of course that band will hail from…Chelyabinsk, Russia? Guh-what? That’s even the wrong side of the Urals. Is this Mari or something?

Okay, so KAUAN was founded in 2005 by Anton Belov, vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, and programmer. The line-up changed around him a few times before he stuck with keyboardist/backing vocalist Artur Andriasyan (though Andriasyan seems to have left since this release). Finally, violinist Lyubov Mushnikova joined shortly before the recording of “Lumikuuro.” The band has kept themselves busy; “Lumikuuro” was released in August and a new album, “Tietдjдn Laulu,” is set to drop in early 2008 (probably will have by the time this gets published).

I think it’s pretty telling that the band already has another album coming out so quickly. “Lumikuuro” is definitely a debut album and sounds like some very early material, probably written in the group’s nascent years while the more refined material will be forthcoming. Like a lot of debut albums, this is pretty rough around the edges. Fortunately, there’s also a lot of good ideas and really solid material. The atmosphere, for one, is spot on. KAUAN has nailed that morose, understated style that has served the aforementioned Finns so well. Though they have a noticeable Folk influence (especially thanks to Mushnikova), they are also heavier than the other two groups, with faster riffs and some Blackened shrieks. It’s all in moderation, though, as the songs vary between the more ambient passages and its heavier parts. It’s some really good, affecting stuff.

Still, I already mentioned that it has the pitfalls of a debut album. For all the quality material, the band also suffers from a lack of it. Songs are often overlong or riffs repeated one too many times. But it’s the normal sort of thing that you get from a band’s debut album. Hopefully Belov and co. will be able to tighten their writing, which could make their future releases essential acquisitions. Still, “Lumikuuro” is worth your time if you’re a fan of Finnish-style melancholy.


Reviewed by: Keith

Chronicles Of Chaos
(march 2008)
(7/10)

I initially thought that newcomers Kauan were from Suomi, a logical conclusion derived from their use of Finnish, but they are a Russian entity. Perhaps I should have expected that, as they have defied all other expectations.
Kauan can be considered as a doom band, but their foothold in the genre is tentative, and doom is merely a springboard for exploring other, more eclectic and challenging territories. The album is divided into two halves: the first is the 'metal' half, and songs are constructed around heavy yet mesmerizing guitar tones, whilst the second half showcases 'non-metal' and consists of just two songs. However, they are the undisputed highlights and allow Kauan to exhibit some of their most sublime melodies. There is a nod to the neofolk leanings of Finns Tenhi and a slight urban edge provided by a jazzy undercurrent, but this is subsumed by the dominant pastoral evocation. The fragile beauty is not limited to the second half and permeates the entire album, but the last few numbers allow it to come to fruition.

This is far from perfect; some of the songs could be edited, and the atmosphere falters on occasion. They have the vision, the skill and melodies -- all that is needed now is experience, and only time can provide that.


Reviewed by: Quientin Kalis