KONOM

Konom have released an impressive eponymous debut, that sits somewhere between obvious classic prog influences and more modern prog metal. It's this stance, neither quite here nor there, that originally made me unsure of the album; and conversely that made it one I now enjoy greatly. By not slavishly staying within the confines of musical style from one era or genre, the way many new bands do, they have created a sound that is far more original than it might first seem. Yes, for sure, there will be those who label Konom another Dream Theater clone, and it would be a fool who attempts to argue that Dream Theater have not been an obvious influence. But there is so much more to the sound of Konom than any passing (and it really is passing) resemblance to the prog metal behemoth, and certainly containing far greater vitality, energy and passion than that band seems capable of lately.

So, as much as I might make comparisons to Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree or Leprous, I could just as easily make comparisons to Genesis and Yes. And, for that matter, some Gentle Giant and Rush. In fact, the heaviness of Konom is far closer to that of Rush than Dream Theater, and there is definitely a pastoral feel to the music that very often reminds me of Genesis. Another obvious influence, and one noted on the Bandcamp page, is Frost*, and Jem Godfrey even makes a guest appearance on one song. Musically, at least - as the vocals of Arya Bobaie are something else, entirely. In fact, the vocals are what could well make or break the album for a lot of listeners, because Arya has a very different and distinctive singing style. It did put me off initially, and I put the album on the back burner, possibly never to return to it, simply because I really wasn't sure I could deal with Arya's histrionics.

It was complete chance that a Konom song came up when I had my iPod on shuffle one night as I was going to sleep. On the threshold of dreams, I suddenly sat bolt upright, because the song I was listening to was incredible, and I had no idea who it was. I listened to the album again the next day and was blown away. I love that it is largely heavy without being metal. The guys are quite clearly proficient, and could easily churn out a prog metal wankfest if they chose to, but there is a great deal of restraint in the music (if not so much in the the vocals). I mentioned the pastoral and Genesis feel, and I think this is almost best represented by the cover art, which is quite lovely. It has a sci-fi look ? technologically advanced worlds where civilisation has somehow collapsed, and society has gone back to basics and a more primitive way of life. That's the sort of pastoral quality this album has, and reflects the way the sound of the band has a classic style that you couldn't really call retro, as it clearly comes from more modern times. Don't make the same mistake I did, and dismiss the album after too few listens.

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