Band:	Kontinuum
Album:	No Need To Reason
Style:	Post-metal
Release date:	July 06, 2018
A review by:	RaduP

01. Shivers
02. Lifelust
03. Warm Blood
04. Neuron
05. No Need To Reason
06. Low Road
07. Erotica
08. Stargaze
09. Two Moons
10. Black Feather

We here at Metal Storm, Inc. often delight in the most brutal and complex and crushing of music. But sometimes you need something more easy-listening. Being isolated on top with the world with bands like Sólstafir and Sigur Rós and leaving behind most black metal elements in favour of gothic undertones and sensual overtones, there is No Need To Reason.

Kontinuum have more of a history in the Icelandic scene than is apparent. Even though they broke into the spotlight with Kyrr a few years ago, most of the members were previously part of Potentiam, which, along with Sólstafir, paved the way for this post-black metal sound that leaves almost all black metal behind, instead taking more cues from post-rock and atmospheric rock. But they used to be black metal, believe me; just listen to Bálsýn. Potentiam and Sólstafir were always close and in contact, even leading to ex-members of each forming Katla. Birgir Thorgeirsson's side-project Pornea eventually became what is now: Kontinuum. Even though Earth Blood Magic was still undoubtedly metal, the band eventually stripped most metal elements by Kyrr, leaving only what is essential behind. That is what we also find on No Need To Reason.

Despite coming from Iceland, which literally has "ice" in its name, Kontinuum sounds comfortingly warm. Herein comes an accessibility specific to this sound. Instead of sounding like a sell-out, commercial type of accessible, instead it feels more emotionally accessible - not entirely the life-affirming kind, but the sound is evoking a melancholy and a longing that is inviting and soothing. And while this accessibility does make the music simpler and more commercial, it's an expense it's willing to pay. No Need To Reason doesn't have hooks as catchy as Kyrr did, despite having some of its own, instead focusing more on immersive moods. The album does have its fair share of moments that do indeed feel colder and darker, particularly on the closing track, but even so, No Need To Reason feels like an embrace.

And sometimes the immersion and the accessibility are compromised. Kontinuum is still not out of touch with their origins. Remnants of their metal sound still linger on. In fact, we are met by them as soon as "Shivers" opens. Heavier guitars and a raspy voice that almost growls is not really the ordinary idea of inviting and soothing. Folks here on this site will probably go unbothered and even consider those remains too mellow, but it's really the rarity of these moments that makes them more vibrant and makes them add to rather than subtract from the overall experience, since a slow and almost seductive album would need a bit of a feeling of anger to further complete the emotional spectrum. This time all lyrics are in English, thus providing even more reason to connect to it, although there was no need for some.

Kontinuum are constantly changing and perfecting their sound. Although it's understandable that some would wish for a return to the sounds of their debut, No Need To Reason contains such a lush sound that rewards repeated listens, it's really not out of place to call it seductive.