Pronounced ‘Key-log-are’ and named after the law (S=KlogR), (Wiki is so useful on occasion !) Klogr return after a seven year break and with a new album, that was first created during lockdown. Having now reached completion, ‘Fractured Realities’ is a concept work from the Italian based quartet, who are led by vocalist/guitarist Gabriele ‘Rusty’ Rustichelli. The ten tracks reflect a journey of emotions, each one following Lila, a girl with a suitcase who battles against her fears and inner self to find an answer but the question is, does she find what she’s seeking in the end ? A tantalising and teasing album, with music that allows the listener to travel alongside the troubled Lila.
The story begins with ‘Early Wounds’ a scraping slow mover with sinister overtones. Rusty has a gravel filled voice that matches the heavy march emitted from his compadres. They use synthesisers and modern techniques to enhance the destructive essence, but all in all they are alternative metal. Touring and sharing stages with the likes of The Rasmus, Butcher Babes, Prong and Puddle of Mudd, since their incarnation in 2011, they have suffered with problems along the way, they’ve been off the scene since the last album ‘Keystone’ in 2017, but this new album signifies a return. ‘Gravity Of Fear’ starts with distant echoes but soon transforms into a monstrous entity. The revolving riff is deliciously overpowering and as Rusty grabs the lyrics by the throat, it transcends into one of the most memorable tracks on the album. Fellow Italian singer/songwriter ‘Albert Eno’ features on ‘The Twisted Art’ who enriches the vocals even further. The lyrics are full of colourful description on this album, the ‘Fractured Realities’ come alive through carefully penned words and this song is wonderfully composed ‘Hate, lies, where do they come from, violence creating eyes full of rage, promises, words, are empty now, complete abandon , still won’t admit it this time’ . It also has a mass of guitar heroics from Rusty and guitarist Allessandro ‘Crivez’ Crivellari. The guitar on ‘Face The Unknown’ is also bracing, heading a tune that reels with turbulent chords. ‘One Of Eight’ is Lila ‘dancing on the edge of insanity’ as the words utter from Rusty with demonic prowess and capability. Fantastic scenario and the music video, seen below, is astounding.
‘Lead Wings’ grinds into being, like a juggernaut of old, it moves with slow contempt and the drums of Filippo ‘Filo’ De Pietri are awakened. The production by Rusty and Jarno Bellasio on ‘Fractured Realities’ is pristine, Jarno also recorded the music, while the album was mixed and mastered by Federico Ascari in the Zeta Factory Studio, Carpi, Italy. ‘Unspoken Words’ is heavy, very heavy actually and alternative metal at its best. While the vocals are clear and transparent they front a mash of well defined riffs and ground crunching bass care of Roberto ‘Piv-o’ Pivanti. As the album progresses, I find myself deeply into Klogr and this track ‘Unspoken Words’ along with ‘Hysterical Blindness’ are superb on the ear.
As we reach ‘Waking World’ it’s like Lila has found solace and is in a better place. The track is more uplifting while retaining the weight that Klogr provide so masterfully. Strings and synth are abound, the atmosphere is grandiose and of anthem proportions. It only leaves ‘Whale Fall’ to bow out with softer appeal. A mighty ballad with unparalleled splendour and I think Lila has found her answers, I know I have. This may be a concept album with deep emotions, but the journey is remarkably clear and rewarding.
Gabriele ‘Rusty’ Rustichelli, the mastermind behind KLOGR, shared: “It wasn’t easy to get back on the scene after producing our album, ‘Keystone’, with David Bottrill (known for his work with Tool, Stone Sour, and Dream Theater) and spending two years touring. The pandemic forced us to pause everything. Once things returned to normal, additional challenges emerged that further slowed down our work. Fortunately, we managed to restart, refocus, and complete the studio work. The personal pressure of overseeing all aspects of production was immense. Thankfully, teamwork was crucial in finishing the production and delivering what I consider to be the band’s best album.”
The album and single artworks were designed by renowned illustrator Charli Aldrighi (Muse, Foo Fighters, Metallica).
I thoroughly enjoyed this album and will look forward to hearing more from this incredibly talented Italian progressive alt/rock band. They are on tour with Evergrey in November and December, see the poster below. With the new work Klogr will release musical videos for each track directed by the band and ex members who share the albums vision. These will be seen during the tour to offer the audience what the band call ‘an immersive multi-sensory experience’.
‘This may be a concept album with deep emotions, but the journey is remarkably clear and rewarding’
Highlights – Gravity Of Fear, The Twisted Art, One Of Eight, Whale Full.
‘Fractured Realities’ is released via Zeta Factory 31st October 2024.
Follow KLOGR on socials here – FACEBOOK
Album Tracklist:
1. Early Wounds
2. Gravity Of Fear
3. The Twisted Art (feat. Albert Eno)
4. Face The Unknown
5. One Of Eight
6. Lead Wings
7. Unspoken Words
8. Hysterical Blindness
9. Waking World
10. Whale Fall
MMH News piece link – HERE
