If it weren't for the lack of logos plastered on the CD and presskit that came with this demo, I'm not sure I'd realize it was a demo.
In fact, given the quality of the tracks, I'd be pretty certain it was just an ep released by an experienced band between full albums.
Kaul claims to play "darkwave metal," and that's an accurate enough description.

Their sound is reminiscent of other oddball bands in someway spawned from the black metal scene
(think: Arcturus, In The Woods...). It has a very strong sense of atmosphere that is built with careful use of synthesizers,
heavy guitar riffs, and vocals. The vocal range covers your typical growls, but surprisingly includes clean singing that is closer to
progressive rock than metal. This might be a problem if the vocals were layered over more typical metal,
but the songwriting allows for all the different elements of the sound to work together.

The first track opens with some rather creepy atmospherics and a whispering voice. About a minute in,
some of the progressive rock sounding vocals kick in for a line or two - but once the metal guitars start back in, so do the growls.
This method of songwriting is very effective because it takes otherwise incompatible sounds
and builds them into songs that work very well.

The first two tracks here are original, interesting, and very enjoyable. I can only hope Kaul gets signed somewhere soon,
though I have a feeling that some of those hardcore metal fans may complain about the occasional rock-ish elements to the sound.
Right now it seems like metal is starting to split between the generic material that sells all right
and the bizarre stuff that doesn't quite fit into any metal standards. Kaul falls into the latter category by a wide margin,
if you haven't guessed already.

And if the above descriptions didn't get you thinking along the lines of Kaul being a bizarre group -
the last track on this demo really ought to. Mainly because it was originally a Roy Orbison song.
I have no idea what he'd think of this cover version of "Running Scared" if he were alive to hear it.
The clean vocals fit into this setting, since that's how it was originally performed...
but backing those are some raspy vocals. I can't stress enough that it's downright bizarre to hear Roy Orbison's
material in this context, but the cover (or more accurately, the re-interpretation) is interesting.
It's also another reason to believe Kaul is more interested in the music than any metal conventions.

Kaul has an mp3.com page you can visit to hear more of their material, just head over to the official site listed below to find it.
If you like any of the more bizarre (darkwave) metal projects, then Kaul is one band to pay attention to.
Although I mention rock elements and clean singing, don't get the wrong impression...
this music isn't upbeat or happy. In fact, it's generally frightening in the way a good (scary) movie soundtrack should be.
The lyrics, in this case, being the main storytelling device. And they won't leave you any less settled or comfortable.

Kaul is:

Paul Calder - music, programming, secondary vocals

Kian Ahmadian - lead vocals, sound design, lyrics

Track list:

1.) In Cold
2.) Across the Void
3.) Running Scared