Style: Alternative/Prog (clean vocals)
Review by: Evan
Country: Germany
Release date: October 30, 2020
I’ll start by saying that progressive alternative music is certainly one of my favorite subgenres and that Tool was my introduction to progressive music, such that I’ve spun their records many times. I’ve also heard many of the Tool-esque bands that make up a large portion of the subgenre. This is the lens through which I am viewing this album.
Immediately, the stylistic similarities between Khaima and Tool are extremely noticeable. The album has what you would expect: the signature driving bass tone, interesting rhythms with time shifts, and a vocalist who sounds something like Maynard or Staley, who already sound fairly similar to each other (Maynard replaced Staley while Alice in Chains was searching for a new vocalist). Ultimately, the album seems to fall somewhere in between Ænima and Lateralus, coupling the grungier vocals and aggression of the former with the psychedelic guitar work of the latter. Spending an entire review comparing a band to another band is never my goal, but this is probably the most useful framework under which to analyze this album.
While some of the individual tracks, such as “Parasomnia” are rather strong, the track variety is fairly limited, such that all the tracks seem to blend together, and that the overall experience of listening to the album is moderately tiring. It does not help that the front half of the album is stronger than the second half.
I think I’ve spent enough time ragging on Khaima. Indeed, Khaima’s members show their musical proficiency throughout the album, nailing fairly intricate rhythms. The vocals, while not particularly unique, are still very good and fit the music perfectly. The addition of keyboards is also to the band’s benefit. Some of the moods the rhythms and strong vocals manage to capture are worth looking into.
Ultimately, I think judging this album as anything but a love-letter to Tool and 90s alternative music in general would be a huge error. And in that sense it’s executed fairly well. Indeed, the band does not veil its similarities: the album name itself, Owing to the Influence, should make that exceptionally clear. If there had not been such a massive advent of bands since Tool playing this similar style, I would probably judge this album more favorably. However, the over-saturation is getting to me at this point. In fact, of all the bands hailed as similar to Tool (Rishloo, Soen, Wheel, etc.) this probably sounds the most similar. If you are looking for more of this sound, however, I would strongly recommend giving this album a listen.
Here is where you expect me to make a joke about listening to this while waiting for the next Tool album to come out because it’s going to be a long time (haha). Thankfully, I am above such overused jokes.
Recommended tracks: Parasomnia, The Fox and the Grapes
Recommended for fans of: Tool, Alice in Chains, Soen
Final verdict: 5/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | Facebook
Label: Barhill Records- Website | Facebook
Khaima is:
– Sven Hill (vocals)
– Toufik Bougherara (guitars)
– Markus Scherer (drums)
– Jo Rauber (bass)
– Andreas Becker (keyboard/saxophone/???)
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