King Kraken Album Sampler
2020 promised to be massive for many bands but none more so than for South Wales’ finest workhorses King Kraken. 2019 had been huge for the band, as they powered their way to become one of the bands to watch on the UK circuit. In February, the band proved their quality with an absolutely storming 40 minutes at HRH Metal in Birmingham, earning masses of new fans and the knowing nod of those in Camp Kraken on that day who already knew. The band headed to the studio directly afterwards and spent five days with producer Romesh Dodangoda honing what was going to be the band’s second EP. And then along came the virus.
So, instead, we have what we’ve named the Kraken album sampler, a promise of what is to come; a tantalising glimpse of the future and something to look forward to. What we get here is two previously unrecorded songs, which neatly bookend the four tracks. First up is the powerhouse drive of Chaos Engine. Already established as a live staple, this is a huge chunk of metal with the band gelling with such tightness that you’d be unsurprised if they were sponsored by No More Nails. The production quality is immediately noticeable, with the sound huge and each instrument given the space to be heard without overpowering the others. Richard Lee Mears drums sound colossal, locked in tight with the driving bass lines of Karl Meyers and the reliable rhythm guitar work of Pete Rose. This platform provides the springboard for the man-bear Mark Donoghue to give the best vocal performance I’ve heard from him; he simply roars his way through the track in his own inimitable style. That leaves the gateway for Adam Kowalski Healey to unleash those searing solos with his familiar flair and confidence. The man is a superb guitar player.
Two reworkings follow and both are an improvement on those originals. First up The Grey, which is still a brooding hulk of a song, the darkness of the lyrics retained, but the pace increased significantly. Donoghue’s vocals are sharper, whilst the guitar work is neater, more fiery and cleaner. The introduction adds urgency, and the breakdown explodes with a fury which wasn’t as intense on the original with Healey’s razor-sharp lead work outstanding. My one complaint – where’s the fucking bell? Freak is the surprise second song to get the rework. I say surprise as this is the track on the first EP and one which Kraken fans will be ultra-familiar with. But this reworking is impressive, with the soulful lead break in the middle full of emotion, whilst the band continue the solid, thunderous rampage. This song is a beast and benefits from the quality production values.
This leaves new(ish) song number two, the sludgy heaviness of Castle Of Bone, with its Alice In Chains feel in the opening. Another song that is now familiar enough to those of us who have seen the boys live, Castle Of Bone changes direction for the band without losing any of the feel, emotion or power that is present in their music. An example of heavy without the need for breakneck speed, the increase in pace mid-section works superbly with some further blisteringly good guitar work. It’s the thumping riff which propels this song forward that works so well, evidence if any was needed that Kraken’s writing is expanding, the band evolving organically into a ferociously heavy machine. The production is impressive from start to finish, allowing each song room but also keeping this sharp and tight.
It may only be a taster, but when the Kraken are finally released from their viral lockdown, the world had better watch out. 10/10
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