Keep the Vaults Open

After seven albums spanning ten years and recently joining label Season of Mist, Savannah, GA sludge-rock outfit KYLESA dug deep into the archives to compile From the Vaults, Vol. 1. Though the songs are unreleased and/or incomplete, they provide a surprisingly apt introduction to fans of the extensive Season of Mist roster who may be unacquainted with KYLESA’s work.

Ironically, these selections sound least like their 2010 Season of Mist debut, Spiral Shadow, which found the five-piece painting on more psychedelia than with earlier releases. Vaults begins with an instrumental album-opening idea called “Intro,” but it slides nicely into the plodding “Inverse.” “Between Silence and Sound II” reveals the band’s later, more symphonic sound, and “Paranoid Tempo” is a speedy little gem that could have had a home on earlier releases. The lone new recording, “End Truth,” shows KYLESA plans to continue evolving down the stoner-metal road, as shown on their last release.

KYLESA’s lineup changed slightly as well, with Eric Hernandez moved from drums to bass, but the band maintains the double-drummer onslaught they’ve used for years (album closer “Drum Jam” displays how seamless and effective this setup can be). Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants continue to play off each other nicely, sharing vocal and guitar duties. Other highlights include the melodic “Wavering” and a ramped-up seven-minute version of Pink Floyd’s 1968 classic, “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun.” If you are at all curious about this band, pick up Vaults. Everything you need to know is contained herein.