KHIRKI - Κυκεώνας

KHIRKI

Album: Κυκεώνας

Genre: Heavy Rock

Release Date: April 12th, 2024

Country: Greece

Label: Venerate Industries

Band-Links: BANDCAMP / INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK

Being a huge fan of the Greek Rock and Metal Scene as well as their mythology, a band named after the legendary sorceress Circe from Homer's Odyssey is supposed to gain my attention, and in 2021 quickly won me over with their great debut “Κτηνωδία“. After some big band-related and personal changes, the trio is back with a new album which is called "ΚΥΚΕΩΝΑΣ“, and a musical reflection on where KHIRKI are mentally this period of time, with each song focusing on different aspects that change comes with, like anxiety, dealing with failure, but also hope and exploring new horizons.

Along this way, KHIRKI refined their style over the past years, yet stay true to their motto that “every song needs three basic ingredients: a cool riff, a vocal hook, and originality” (interview from 2021). The final result is immediately recognizable as an album from their feather, with expanded song-writing and playing skills.

The powerful opener “Featherless” already gives a good impression of that, taking us straight into “ΚΥΚΕΩΝΑΣ“ with their infectious groove, rough-sounding, rockin’ riffs, and catchy melodies. The lyrics are inspired by Greek myths, with a sometimes changed perspective, like this one is telling about a Siren’s obsession with Ulysses after he managed to flee. The following “Pumping the Vein” even goes a step further in terms of uplifting tempo, and is one of my favorites here.

They continue to play well with the earlier mentioned ingredients, keep things interesting by adding these great, traditional rhythms and harmonies, that already stood out for me on their first release. In between, there are also thoughtful moments, like the beautiful “Συμπληγάδες“ or the touching sea shanty “Father Wind”.

With their amazing blend of Anatolian spiced Rock'n Roll and a good pinch of proggy twists, KHIRKI tell Greek tales in their very own way. Dominated by heavy, 70s inspired riffs, powerful bass lines and captivating melodies, the use of traditional instruments and rhythm patterns brings something special to their music. All-together, "ΚΥΚΕΩΝΑΣ“ is a strong, second album, on which the trio convince as band and individual musicians. Crank it up!

Written by Katha