Release Date June 12th, 2026
Format CD (300 copies)
Genre Melodic Death Metal
Origin Cyprus
Pitch-black melodic extreme metal is the foundation of Ka'aper, a Cyprus based band formed in 2024. Despite its short existence, the band quickly established a recognizable direction by combining melodic death metal, blackened atmospheres and doom touched passages with lyrical themes rooted in mythology, mortality and the darker side of human existence. Ancient Egypt plays a major role in the band's imagery, though their writing is not limited to historical references, using mythological figures and forgotten civilizations as reflections of betrayal, loss, faith and human decline.
Their music draws inspiration from acts such as Septicflesh, Dark Tranquillity, Rotting Christ, Insomnium and Graveworm, though it leans more toward accessible songwriting than progressive arrangements. "When Gods Walked The Earth" is their second full length album and presents a band expanding the ideas introduced on its predecessor without drifting away from its dark melodic foundations. The current lineup consists of Evgeny Pcheliakov on vocals, Tymur Glushan on guitars, Igor Kurzin on bass and Alexey Boychuk on drums, with guest appearances from Ellen Pcheliakova on violin, Julia Selikhova and Mike Angastiniotis adding extra vocal layers on selected songs.
"When Gods Walked The Earth" revolves around ancient mythology while drawing parallels with the uncertainty and decay of the modern world. Crushing guitar riffs remain the backbone of the album, supported by melodic leads that often borrow from Scandinavian melodic death metal without abandoning a darker Mediterranean atmosphere. The production by Max Baryshnikov is balanced, allowing the guitars to remain dominant while giving the drums enough presence and leaving the vocals raw enough to preserve their aggression.
The violin passages and guest vocals are used with restraint, adding color without distracting from the main direction of the songs. The writing avoids unnecessary complexity and focuses on memorable structures, alternating aggressive moments with slower passages that build tension through melody instead of speed alone. Although several riffs echo influences from established names, the material does not sink into imitation and maintains enough character to remain engaging throughout its compact running time.
The songwriting remains focused, the atmosphere rarely loses intensity and the balance between melody and aggression gives the album lasting replay value. It is a convincing step forward for Ka'aper, showing a band refining its songwriting while staying committed to dark, mythological themes and melodic extreme metal without unnecessary ornamentation.
| 8.3
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