Keladak — S/T Album CD

Band: Keladak
Title: Keladak
Label: Noisemongers Records, Exit Music
Catalog Number: NOIS10, EXIT011
Format: Full-Length Album, CD, Jewel Case, Outer Slip O Case, Limited
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Release Date: 2017 (Originally 2013)
Genre / Style: Stoner, Psychedelic, Sludge, Doom, Heavy, Space Rock
Streaming Link: Bandcamp 

 * Price excludes postage and handling fee

Keladak is a heavy rock band from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, formed in July 2007 by founding members Aizat and Faris (formerly of Infinite Delay). The band's name, "Keladak," translates to "sludge" or "sediment" in Malay, reflecting their musical style. Initially aiming to be an art rock act influenced by bands like CAN, Captain Beefheart, and Acid Mothers Temple, Keladak's sound evolved over time. After several lineup changes and musical explorations, they settled into a fusion of heavy, psychedelic, progressive, and noise rock elements, drawing inspiration from bands such as Black Sabbath, Melvins, and Black Flag.

A long-awaited full-length studio album, self-titled Keladak, was released in December 2017 through Noisemongers Records in collaboration with Exit Music. The album features a diverse range of tracks that blend heavy riffs with experimental sounds. The band's lineup for this album included Hafeez (vocals), Aizat (guitars), Onn (drums), Jay (synthesizers and bass), with additional contributions from fellow musicians playing instruments like didgeridoo, trumpet, harmonica, and violin. This 45-minute opus embodies a space concept album and a fusion of sludge, stoner, psychedelic, and progressive rock elements, reflecting the band's evolution since their formation in 2007. 

A total length of 45:35 minutes. Track Listing:

The opening track, "Keladak," sets a heavy tone, with atonal dissonant riffing; its brief yet impactful introduction. "Black Crows" and "Contortionist" delve into themes of existentialism and societal critique, blending aggressive guitar work with introspective and intricate lyrics. "Lighthouse: Space Transmissions" offers a more atmospheric experience that replicates heartbeat sounds and also serves as an intro to the track "Passenger of Time" which incorporates violin elements, adding depth dimension to the composition. "Rock & Roll" stands out with its energetic tempo, repeating sonic riffings and harmonica accents. The closing track, "Lunatic From Mars," is a 12-minute spacey psychedelic journey through experimental soundscapes, war, alienation and desperation, incorporating layers of noise.

Recorded in July 2012 at Greenhouse Studio in Kuala Lumpur by Tom Bollocks, the album features contributions from various musicians (listed in the track listing). The final track "Lunatic From Mars" was however recorded much earlier in 2007 by Aizat at Noisemongers Bedroom and later remixed by Kamal Sabran of Space Gambus Experiment in 2012. The album was mastered by Eric Hausman at Spill Haus in Portland, USA, in 2017. The original release date was planned for the end of 2013, however, the release of the album was halted until 2017 due to undisclosed circumstances. 

The album's artwork, concept & illustration were developed and accomplished by Jack Noise (Aizat Tarmizi) and layout by Mickie (Avicenna Studio). The visual elements complement the band's eclectic sound, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the release. The physical CD edition includes a slipcase (outer slip o case) and is limited to 300 copies — a collaboration release between Noisemongers Records and Exit Music.

Keladak stands as a testament to the band's commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy rock. Its fusion of diverse musical styles and thought-provoking themes offers a unique listening experience for fans of experimental and genre-defying music.