ALBUM REVIEW: KILL NO ALBATROSS - SPEAK TRUE EVIL (EP)
The 2017 debut EP ‘Lost In The Darkness And Distance’ from Canadian rockers ‘Kill No Albatross’ was an interested blend of alternative rock with elements of prog, tech metal and a healthy dose of punk thrown in for good measure. Sounding like a delightful combination of ‘Alter Bridge’ and ‘Arcane Roots’ ‘Lost In The Darkness And Distance’ was enough to gain a slot on the highly acclaimed Vans Warped Tour. Eager to build on the current momentum, ‘Kill No Albatross’ are back with their follow up EP ‘Speak True Evil’.
Where their debut could be described as ‘Alter Bridge’ meets ‘Arcane Roots’; ‘Speak True Evil’ brings in additional elements of ‘AFI’ and ‘Rise Against’ as the post-hardcore influences are brought significantly further into the foreground. Opening track ‘Seven Tools’ sets the tone for what is to come with a much heavier track than we have heard in their earlier output that packs a serious punch with groggy riffs, gang vocal chants and a breakdown that hits you like a jackhammer; but this is just a teaser to ease you in before ‘Apex Predator’ kicks in for what is undeniably the heaviest song that this band have ever recorded. The riffs are dialled up to eleven and the melodic backing vocals have been replaced with harsh screams that hark back to early ‘AFI’. Vocalist Kyle Collins shows off his impressive vocal range as he hits some formidable high notes in the songs climax. The heaviness of ‘Apex Predator’ is even more noticeable as it is followed by the bands first ballad in ‘Sky On Fire’. Whilst this may arguably be the least original song in their catalogue; it stands as a testament to the dexterity and willingness to experiment of ‘Kill No Albatross’. The powerful closing crescendo and the passionate vocal display ensure the songs success and hints at more directions that they can take in the future. Whilst ‘Sky On Fire’ may not be the most original song on the record, final track ‘Void’ makes up for that in spades from the experimental electronic intro to the ‘Rise Against’ inspired vocal melodies and all the way throughout the versatile and eclectic riffs and lead guitar riffs. ‘Void’ is an outstanding end to a brilliant sophomore EP.
7/10
Personal Highlight: Already released as the lead single ‘Apex Predator’ stands head and shoulders above the rest of ‘Kill No Albatross’s back catalogue. Injecting an extra level of ferocity and technicality into an already vibrant outfit. ‘Apex Predator’ demonstrates how far ‘Kill No Albatross’ have grown in the past year.
'SPEAK TRUE EVIL' WILL BE RELEASED ON 13TH JULY 2018
