Label: Closersounds

Reviews: Closer - The 39 / Closer - Tokpela EP
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Closer - The 39Closer
The 39
Closersounds

9

Progressive metal has, to be honest, never been up my alley. There are some bands out there with those tendencies I approve of, like King Crimson, Opeth and TOOL among others. And Closer share similarities with the latter in general, the album "Ænima" in particular. The build up to the chorus on "Sensing the wake" is pure genius using elements from folklore, something TOOL's not afraid of doing either. Otherwise, this newly disbanded Stockholm-based combo sure gets my kicks off in all tracks on this EP. Don't know if it's something geographical but you can definitely hear the Scandinavian touch to it. Resembling Cult of Luna and Khoma and even, at times, At the Drive-In, it's a damn shame they decided to call it quits. Let's just hope that offspring act The Goatboys will be as promising.
- Jonas Appelqvist

Thu, Jan 3rd, 2008 00:00:00

Closer - Tokpela EPCloser
Tokpela EP
Closersounds

Avi likes these Swedes a lot. To be completely honest, this time at least, he is right. Closer combine a few different influences in a melting pot that ends up being better than what their influences have churned out in recent years. There is a bit of Tool, QotSA and a more melodic aspect that reminds me of a few melodic-metal bands of the mid-nineties (Only Living Witness and Chum for example.) Probably not conscious but I find that they resemble 1995-98 Anathema in mood and arrangements while being significantly more up tempo. This EP has me wanting more, can't beat that.
- Simon Thibaudeau

Tue, Jan 24th, 2006 00:00:00