Reputations can be a burden as much as an advantage in life. Many have plied a living from either former glories or off someone else's name, and within the world of Stoner Rock there are fewer names with a bigger reputation than Matt Pike. With a résumé that includes such names as Sleep and High On Fire, enough focus is bound to ensue to any new band which includes said Mr Pike. It comes as somewhat of a relief that Kalas neither need or want to trade upon anyone's name, least of all Matt Pikes, choosing the old fashioned method of band promotion...letting the music do their talking.

The brainchild of Andy Branton, of El Dopa fame, Kalas is a blend of Stoner meeting Neurosis head on. Album opener "Monuments To Ruin", roars and bellows leaving you as battered and bruised as one of Mike Tyson's sparring partners. While the texture and soulful performance of Branton and Koff give such tunes as "Things Done And Undone" an all encompassing warmth. Yet still remaining brutally heavy with riffs as thick as a molasses sandwich, and of course in Matt Pike the band not only have a proven front-man but also a singer who really does have a genre defining style all his own.

If Kalas can avoid press labeling as being a Matt Pike side project, a tag which is neither accurate nor deserved, then Kalas as a debut release will send more than one or two shock waves across the Metal music scene. Each song reeks of sincerity and a purpose only found in music crafted by those who love the art they produce. While conscience not to become pigeonholed as just another Stoner band, Kalas need not worry as the fluidity of the song writing and journey the album takes you on is a ride well worth experiencing and is sure to set them apart from the crowd.