The third album from Sweden’s Kayser is their first for new label Listenable, and also their first in 8 years. Quite a long layoff I know, but all is forgiven if the quintet can step up to the plate and pack this 12 song, 48 minute record with killer tracks. Given my initial exposure to instantaneous material like “Bring Out the Clown”, the down-tuned groove oriented “I’ll Deny You” or the buzz saw double bass meets riff-o-rama chugging title cut, it is clear the quintet live for a mix of Black Sabbath, early 90’s era Megadeth, and a little bit of Hatesphere in terms of where their thrash to groove ratio lays.
Vocalist Christian ‘Spice’ Sjöstrand may be best known for his almost 10 year service with Spiritual Beggars, so within Kayser the same stoner rock meets metal charm lifts the spirits. I’ve heard many compare his delivery to a clearer Tom Araya, and I would tend to agree with a little spitfire snake charming that makes “Bark and Bow” and the heads down anthem “Carve the Stone” worthy of neck straining, beer swilling good times. Most will enjoy the fact that for a change there is an equal emphasis on the importance of vocals to music- the soloing of Mattias Svensson and Jokke Pettersson is bluesy and traditional and serves as the best foundation to Spice’s thoughtful melodies.
Never overstaying their welcome, Read Your Enemy is a street level effort that may not have the flash of the younger generation, but instead works on gut instinct that deserves respect. Welcome back Kayser – you’ve made up for lost ground and are aiming to establish your place in a very crowded marketplace, and this album should stand out above the average fray.
Matt Coe, HMS
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