The uniquely named KROH are a Stoner Rock and Doom Metal infusion of sounds, and they are from the fine City of Birmingham; which is the spiritual home of Heavy Metal in the UK. This five-piece band has constructed an album titled "Altars"; and it is being released through Devizes Records. This is the fourth album from KROH, and their second with Devizes.

"Altars" begins with a delicate vocal track, this opening sweet tone is soon accompanied by low tuned, fuzzy kind of sounding guitars; and big open drum beats. "Mother Serpent" has that familiar mood and heaviness of both Stoner and Doom Metal bands, but it's the way that KROH weave these together that makes it great. Despite the slow pace to the track, there is a clumsy kind of bounce; which really hooked you in. The vocals have long drawn out melodies that climb and wander over the top of the music, the female voice seems to be boosted just a touch higher by the deep droning instruments.

The next track "Living Water' continues the magnificent melancholy, this song has a little more drive to the instruments; but still keeping that sinister fuzz to the sound. The chorus once again is a testament to the range and ability of vocalist Oliwia; the lyrics and structure to her part have this long reaching emotion, an ability to appeal to deep seeded hurt, with a soothing touch.

Other really stand out tracks on "Altars" were "Feed The Brain", "Break The Bread" and "Cold". Now, I would be quite remiss in my duties, if I didn't point out that sometimes the slow pace of the Doom elements to this album, did get a touch on the boring side; I think that some garnishes of more speed would really make KROH stand out a little more. But overall, the undeniable talents of this band really did give the gloom a unique life of its own. There were moments in "Altars" that show this band has potential for greatness; pretty good indeed. A solid thumbs up from me.<