Review by Adam M on November 15, 2016.

Khemmis performs a very traditional take on doom metal. Their music is slow, but has the more melodic aspects of bands like Iron Maiden present to counter this. The overall effect is a pleasing doom metal performance that has as much impact on the scene as Pallbearer’s last release did.

The album gets off to a crushing start with Above the Waters, which is a storming way to open the disc. It is a very enthralling work that carries over into the rest of their material with a positive note. The music takes place at mid pace generally, but this first song seems to move a little faster. The music is certainly too fast for funeral doom, but seems to occupy a space that is slightly slower than something like Black Sabbath, for example. The balance of different types of metal makes this a strong recording as there is also a definite throwback to classics with the galloping riffing as well. Though the riffing is galloping, it still takes place at a mostly mid-pace, which is quite appropriate for the band. Instrumental performances are all solid with tight riffs and pounding drums. The verse riffs usually come out punishing and fulfilling sounding. Vocals are of the traditional type with a vocalist that wails more than growls and this is also appropriate for the music. This is most often the type of vocal style that is performed despite a more harsh style at the beginning of Three Swords, for example. The entirety of the music is very excellent overall, but one would wish Khemmis would push in new directions. The familiarity is good to some extent, but could be broken up by some interesting innovative elements that were absent here.

For a doom recording, Hunted is more than sufficient and a nice piece of work by the band Khemmis.

Rating: 8 out of 10