KIN is the fourth full-length from Montreal prog/rock/psych/metal trio MOOCH. The solar eclipse on the cover art portends a dark celestial journey. But KIN eschews the grimness I’ve come to expect with Black Throne releases.

KIN opens with not one, but two instrumentals. Ambient space-probe-esque “YR4” gives way to the crushing power of “Meteor”. “Sunburner” is exactly what it sounds like and will find a warm place in heavy-metal hearts.

I was taken off-guard by “Hang Me Out (False Sun)” by how tuneful it is. It’s a simple post-betrayal clapback with a huge chorus and one of my favourite songs of the year.

“Prominence” and “Lightning Rod” are extended prog-pieces. The former passes like an uneasy omen or premonition. The latter the opposite.

Closer “Zenith” acts as a bookend to the opening instrumentals, closing KIN out just as it began.

Fans of prog rock and psych should add KIN to their holiday wishlists immediately.

KIN is available on vinyl, CD and digitally through Black Throne Productions.