Kvlt of Hiob is a two man black metal act hailing from “Khaos” it says, seems legit. Their new album “Thy Kingly Mask” is a black metal album that sticks with the formula of your usual black metal album. Haunting vocals, tremolo riffing and blast beats…add some spooky acoustic riffs in there and add some layered screams in the background and you have what essentially is Kvlt of Hiob. The guitar work is fast riffing with dark atmospheric leads over it, which sounds really good. I like the fret work that “Death Kvlt Prayer” puts out, and the drumming sounds great with it. What I don’t much care for is the silly Scooby Doo ghost vocals, some of the screams are pretty bad ass but the spooky vocals are just humorous.

Honestly, I couldn’t get into this album, at all. If they found a different vocalist this would be rather bad ass but what he is bringing to the table is ruining the whole meal. This would even be better as an instrumental album. Honestly, it would be super bad ass if it was just an instrumental album. The writing and composition along with the production is done very well and is enjoyable to listen to.

However, this is one black metal album I’ll be shelving for awhile, I don’t much care for it. Human Antithesis, which is the singers alias, knock off the failed depressive/suicidal black metal attempt with the vocals…it doesn’t fit or sounds good. Your screams sounds awesome but try to makes sure they go more with the music as well. The music just leaves you behind and it sounds off and poorly mixed.

Kvlt of Hiob is an album you may want to listen to just to just so you know that not all black metal is good black metal. However, I’d just skip this one and listen to something better.

2 out of 5