Even Norwegian legends aren’t immune to metal’s epidemic lineup changes. With the departure of Frost and Atilla, even those who’ve followed the band through times of war might’ve feared that Keep of Kalessin had been mortally wounded. After all, the band’s fearless leader was also playing guitar for Satyricon.
Of course, Arnt Obsidian did soldier on. Backed by a new wizard on bass and an Internet sensation behind the throne, Keep of Kalessin claimed their second Norwegian Grammy nomination with their colossal fourth album.
Kolossus is still forged from the melodic but no less fiery cauldrons of black metal. Guitar solos slice like long swords while double bass pounds with all the relentless fury of a war drum. But adding acoustic polish and symphonic flurries to their arsenal elevated the band to a higher field of battle.
“My name will spawn legends”, Obsidian screams in a blaze of glory on the album’s ascendant grand finale. Even amongst their many treasures, Kolossus still shines as one of Keep of Kalessin’s crown jewels.
