From Bandcamp, “KAUPE’s sound is one that inspires visual imagery. Dark atmospheric film-score-style tracks set to vivid scenes with carefully selected musical movements spanning decades of high-energy rock, metal, punk, new wave, and classical.” The album has nine songs, and “The Past Will Own You” is first. From the first few notes, I can hear the Metal, and I can hear the Punk, and there is indeed a lot of energy in the music. It’s a short ride over choppy waters. “Living Among the Dead” is slower, and darker, and those keyboard notes fit in very well. The band has their trade down to a craft…each note is hit with precision and you can draw emotions from the music.

“Unresolved Trauma” surges forward with energy and bright light, cutting like a knife through some of the darkness. Again, well timed melodies, each note hit in stride, and an ever-shifting landscape are common tenants to their music. “Next Time Wear a Black Shirt” is a short blast of a firm, rigid riff, with old school keys, and the combination makes for a listening experience with hooks, and grooves. “All That is Left is Sin” is a bit longer, but the band sure burns through plenty of space in the short amount of times during the song’s durations. “The Joy of Sorrow” has a distinct groove to it that gets stuck in your head. “RMR 1029” is four minutes of darkness and firm, aggressive tones.

“Rosen Bridge” is the final song, and it brings a distinct melody to the album…a gentle side. The melodies flow like a spring of clear water that comes from nowhere, and damn does it taste good. Like KARMA TO BURN, but more inventive, and with keyboards and more energy, KAUPE brings a good deal of style to the Instrumental Metal genre. They are excellent musicians, and you don’t have to work very hard to understand what they are getting across.