i-bands.net [READ ONLY MODE] :: View topic - KAMIKAZE

Bode · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:28 am Post subject:

Kamikaze, currently under the independent label Gothic Records, is well known as the heavy metal/hard rock band who has received AIM recognition for their mixture of hard hitting rock music, guitar prowess of Shamril Salleh and their more commercially successful rock ballads. However, their new album, ‘The Return’, aptly named since this is their first output since the last 6 years, proves that this outfit is much more than that. The title track, ‘Prelude- The Journey’ starts with a whisphery, haunting ethereal vibe which builds up to a climactic lead-in into the next track, ‘Luhur II’. This track takes off from it’s predecessor, ‘Luhur’, but instead of conforming to the same rock ballad formula, ‘Luhur II’ has a darker arrangement which features orchestral textures as its main driving force.
Subsequent tracks ‘Cinta Tanpa Kata’, ‘Beri Aku Cinta’ and ‘Gelap’ will strike as a surprise to those who are already familiar with the band’s well known signature stylings, as these tracks presents the unheard side of Kamikaze, with its lighter, airy melodic rock vibe, though with a faster pace in ‘Gelap’.
‘Jewa Pendeta’ and ‘Wayang’ will bring a smile to the headbangers as these tracks prove not only that Kamikaze has not lost their hard hitting edge in delivering face frying rock music, but has become even better in what they are already well known for.
‘Manusia’ and ‘Cepat Ke Sorga ‘continues with unleashing the yet unheard fresh and uplifting new aspect of Shamril Salleh’s songwriting, while ‘Cerita Kita’ gracefully concludes this musical masterpiece.
This album marks an important transition in the group’s musical direction. The most significant feature of this album is that the songwriting, arrangement and production has matured by manifolds. While the new musical stylings comes as a pleasant surprise and a breath of fresh air, the band’s signature hard rocking tunes not only prove that these guys can still rock, but they can deliver their ‘roots’ better by being armed with more complex and heavyweight songwriting. There are also many treats for guitar fans, as Shamril Salleh’s guitar playing churns out strong melodies while being tastefully interweaved by technical wizardry in the right amounts, leaving the listener craving for more. Like the songwriting, his guitar playing itself has further matured and developed a stronger unique identity, which helps to strengthen his status amongst the country’s premier world class musicians.
My gripes about the album is that I wished Kamikaze had kicked off the album with a heavier track, in order to seamlessly continue where they left off 6 years ago. This approach would have been more welcomed by their old fans, while the group can gradually expose their new direction as the album progresses. Nevertheless, the significantly more mature and refined songwriting/arrangement which were evident in all tracks throughout the whole album more than made up for this slight ‘dissappointment’ for their old followers. If they have loved the old Kamikaze, they would have more reasons to love the new offerings by the band now.
‘The Return’ signifies that Kamikaze has grown older and wiser, but at the same time having the ability to rock it out even harder than in their younger days. I dare say that this is Kamikaze’s best album to date and it signifies a new beginning to another musical journey that would be fascinating to follow.