Artist: Ana Kefr
Title: The Burial Tree (2)
Type: Album
Label: Muse Sick

Over here at MT:UK (Fenland division), we have been known to bemoan the overwrought nature of some metal releases, pining instead for the simpler, more visceral route to atmosphere and all things grim. Every now and then, however, comes an album that simply resists this wish. So it is with Ana Kefr, a Californian extreme metal band, who describe themselves as “Philosophical metal”. Having studied Philosophy at university, I’m not entirely sure it can compare with dodging lectures and drinking bitter instead of writing essays, but it is entirely fair to say that this is simply an album for those people willing to put a bit of time into listening to their music.

“The Burial Tree (2)” isn’t in any way a straight forward album. In simplest terms, this is relatively jazz influenced extreme metal; more than a dash of melodic death metal, some skronking jazz-like sections and frequent Dream Theater time changes. The entire bag of tricks are used here. From a quick blast of saxophone, to quiet introspective periods of hissing silence before the renewed assault of blasting metal. Perhaps the most pressing impression that Ana Kefr make on the senses initially is one of a chaotic maelstrom, particularly when the synth kicks in and goes all prime era Arcturus on your ass. I have been lucky enough to have had some more time than I am usually able to devote to albums “thanks” to another round of bastard testing at work, and I can say that this definitely benefits from repeat listens. The apparent disorder can be rearranged and lead to fresh discoveries with every fresh play. “The Zephirus Circus”, for instance, can range between absolutely relentless blasting death metal, a playful circus march and a drafty, ethereal waft.

Vocally, Rhiis (no, that’s not a typo, nor am I sponsored, Sesame Street style by the letter “I”) and Kyle do a fine job of covering all the bases. Abrasive growling, maevoelent screeching, spoken word and tasteful clean vocals all get their time in the sun here. As with all jazz influenced metal, the playing has to be top of the game, and so it is here. Extra special mentions to Shane Dawson on the drums and …erm…djembe. I don’t know about you, but when I hear the dejembe being played in my metal, I want it played with authority. Ana Kefr then…a bit of a grab bag of ideas and concepts, but somehow it all pulls together and honestly delivers a rich, varied experience full of flavour and tone. Now I feel bloody hungry….

http://www.myspace.com/anakefr

Chris Davison

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