REVIEW: Killerkorp - Vices

Killerkorp was originally formed in 2018, and features Ben Lyddiatt (vocals), Jakey Day (lead guitar), Jon-Luke Bloomfield (rhythm guitar), Daniel Lyddiatt (bass), and Sonny Wright (drums). They cemented themselves as a part of the UK metal scene with their formidable debut EP ‘Pain’ back in 2019, gaining acclaim for its ferocious riffs and potent lyrics. They’re now back with a new EP, ‘Vices’, to turn up the heat on their burgeoning reputation as a great live act as well as recording band. ’Vices’ showcases the band's ability to push the boundaries of metal and mix genres effectively, blending death metal and hardcore together into a vicious sound. The EP is filled with raw aggression and pure emotion, and it feels like the band have tied any loose ends off to find their sound here.

On first listen you’re thrown into an immersive experience. Contrary to what would be expected, things start off almost ambient, before it explodes in a frenetic rush of sonic power, as title track ‘Vices’ kicks in to show off their writing ability, that’s only improved since ‘Pain’. The next track ‘Last Grasp’ is an incredible showcase of drummer Sonny Wright's skills, that underpin the aural assault going on above the drums. ‘Scathed’ is comfortably the shortest track, weighing in at just under two and a half minutes, and showcases the rabid fury of hardcore at its most obvious within the band's work. Finally, ‘Weak’ comes in to round off the EP with a hefty six minute run time. The song feels like some sort of post-apocalyptic ambient experience that harks to Nine Inch Nails in places, albeit with a good number more killer riffs than Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross would traditionally introduce.

Killerkorp's latest release ‘Vices’ showcases the band's ability to blend two of the music world's most aggressive genres into a sound that stands on its own, whilst being reminiscent of Lamb Of God, Machine Head and more. The stand out across the entirety of this EP is the band's pure rawness, as it’s clear to see that they aren’t afraid to be bold with their sound and push their own boundaries. The production is also notably improved in comparison to previous work, which has helped shape their sound into the ferocious sharpness that it is now. It’s plain to see why they have cemented themselves as part of the UK metal scene, if they’re able to write music like this!. Having toured with the likes of Raised By Owls and Beyond Extinction, they are a surefire one to watch within the scene. 

‘Vices’ will be released on December 13th.

Words: Kayleigh Hadley

Photos: Killerkorp