Released on: 1st June 2018
The ever hyped and much belated New Tool album has been a politicians promise since 10,000 Days was released in 2006. It is actually at the point where it has achieved mystic reverence itself, believed to be a kind of afterlife for decrepit Tool fans. But fear not Ye Utensil Lovers now you can get baked on DSBM and Maynard James Bassetts Wine Gums in one place, or fugue depending on your quantum state.
With their first album Irish quartet Raum Kingdom are ready to take on the harsh reality that the next Tool album will be the Me Gusta meme in 4/4. Creating an homage to the unfulfilled hole in the market left by the popular prog metal outfit and wearing something in the style of but leaving just enough room so as not to clash just in case it does show up. At least that is what the press release would have you believe.
Everything & Nothing is a bit more diverse than pointing a big stick at the big band that done it. Having enough nuance in the tech department to make it decidedly its own sound. However if a comparison was required– imagine the sound of Alcest after you’ve downed a good few pints of Guinness. Or better yet just get rat arsed and try to remember what Alcest sound like. And there you have it. The ultimate Celtic connection.
Raum Kingdom artistically blend stoicism into extreme metal. Where they create a blend of grounded ambient music that tries hard and often achieves its target to not only hypnotize the listener but infer to drastic mood swings on their behalf. And while the group might not have the elegance of say Tool they have their own distinctive voice that can be heard and which is just as interesting.
9/10
