Pharaoh Overlord's latest album, 6000 kmh, is a mesmerizing journey through space and time. The Finnish band's unique blend of krautrock, psychedelic rock, and heavy metal creates a hypnotic atmosphere that is both otherworldly and familiar.
The album opens with the pulsing rhythms of "Path Eternal," which sets the tone for the rest of the record. The band's use of repetition and minimalism creates a sense of urgency and momentum that propels the listener forward. The driving basslines and distorted guitars of "Without Song All Will Perish" and "Transcendental Ecstatic Experience" are particularly effective in this regard.
Pharaoh Overlord's use of electronic elements also adds a futuristic touch to the album. "Arms of the Butcher" and "I Drove All Night by My Solar Stomp" feature glitchy, distorted synth lines that sound like they're beaming in from a distant planet.
Despite the album's heavy sound, there are moments of beauty and introspection. "Skyline" is a haunting instrumental track that showcases the band's ability to create atmosphere with minimal instrumentation. The closing track, "Journey," is a slow-burning epic that builds to a cathartic climax.