There’s just something special about bands from Iceland. Could be cooincidence but I love bands like Agent Fresco, Sólstafir, Árstíðir and Sigur Rós. Another band that’s been on that list is Kontinuum. I first found them when I reviewed their last album, “Kyrr.” That one was right up my alley. It’s that dark, moody prog in the vein of Katatonia, The Chant and Sólstafir.

So it’s been a little over three years since “Kyrr” and Kontinuum return with their third album, “No Need for Reason.” One change on the new album is that instead of splitting the lyrics of the songs between English and Icelandic, “No Need for Reason” is their first all English album. While I never minded the bilingual nature of their music, this will allow them to potentially reach a larger audience. That’s a good thing.

The band have switched labels as well, going from Candlelight Records to Season of Mist. Musically, “No Need for Reason” is still very much a mix of post rock and dark prog with some Gothic undertones. So what if Katatonia had a thing for The Mission rather than The Cure. “Shivers” kicks off the album perfectly. A haunting guitar line leads to a drive rock riff. Kontinuum have a knack for melody and atmosphere which is one reason why I love them.

“Lifelust” has a nice, fuzzy bass line over a floating melody and an insistent chorus. The album has great song after great song. “Warm Blood” has a Mission vibe to it while Neuron is like ambient rock for lack of a better term. The title track is as close to a ballad as Kontinuum can muster, another solid track.

“Erotica” is another favorite as it shows that Kontinuum can rock out a bit, but they never lose their heads in the process. “Two Moons” is another one that fans of Katatonia should enjoy. Kontinuum might not be as depressed as Jonas and company are/were, but they certainly understand melancholy and its power. “No Need for Reason” is another beautifully dark, somber piece of work from Kontinuum. Hopefully it puts them in the same breath as all of the other great Icelandic bands I’ve mentioned. Based on this album, they have certainly earned it.

Rating: 9/10

Tracklist:

1. Shivers
2. Lifelust
3. Warm Blood
4. Neuron
5. No Need to Reason
6. Low Road
7. Erotica
8. Stargaze
9. Two Moons
10. Black Feather

Label: Season of Mist
Release Date: 6 July 2018
Bandcamp: kontinuum.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kontinuumice