REVIEW

The second EP from Arizona-based deathgaze band Kardashev.

This release condenses many of the elements that would later define their signature deathgaze sound. The contrast between ferocious progressive death metal passages and ethereal, beautiful clean vocals transports listeners into a vast, star-filled cosmos. The clean singing, at times, evokes the image of TesseracT’s Daniel Tompkins performing a lullaby in outer space.

Standout track #2 “Between Sea and Sky” perfectly exemplifies this blend: the violent intensity of death metal collides with the dreamlike textures of post-rock and shoegaze, creating a spectacular experience akin to alternating between supernova explosions and distant starlight.

For listeners who feel that Kardashev’s more recent works lean heavily toward death metal and lack sufficient shoegaze elements to be considered “deathgaze,” this EP is an ideal starting point. Additionally, it lays narrative and thematic groundwork that connects directly to their third album, Alunea, making it essential listening for fans seeking to fully understand the band’s universe.

Previous review: Kardashev - The Almanac