KING CORPSE – Sacred Crimson (EP Review)

Some Background Info:

King Corpse are a 3 piece outfit from the West Midlands. Formed in 2015 they have released a 3 track EP before. However later this month (17 April) they are releasing a brand new EP under the title Sacred Crimson which if you purchase the physical copy you get the tracks on the previous EP thrown in for good measure! They are categorized under “doom” and “sludge” but on this, they show signs of blues and progressive rock/metal. Vocally singer (and bassist) Jack Cradock can go from melodic to howling banshee at the drop of a hat. Musically they sound dirty fuzzy and brutal but still with an ability to show some melody and clever changes of pace and rhythm.

The Brand New Songs On Offer:

Every track has riffs to spare (apart from one “S4-Lazar” which is a short fill which has sound effects and voices and has an element of a distant radio broadcast from far away) and enough fuzz to keep you warm in winter! Opener “Exhumation” is atmospheric and cinematic (horror/suspense) in places whilst still sounding frightening. “Drowning” sounds desperate at times. The screams sound like he is about to drown and there is no one near that can rescue him. This is slightly slower in places, quite melodic as he says how he is “drifting without purpose” before it turns to said screams and crashing cymbals.

“Climb My Bones” is the longest track at over 10 minutes. A gentle guitar opening with just a touch of bass and light touches on the cymbals it lulls you in with a false sense of security before a bloody marvellous and heavy riff kicks in. The little flourishes around it keeps it flowing and interesting. The guitar solo is sweet as candy, the sort of solo that bands played in the 1970s. The track by no means feels its length, it is a journey which seems shorter than it is due to the clever changes. They say in the press release they are trying to expand what they do whist still ripping folks faces off and this certainly proves they have that capability. Lovely stuff.

“Sons Of Mourning” is another epic at around 9 minutes. The riff is so dirty I felt I needed a shower after listening to it. Some of the vocal screams can probably also be heard by bats, they are that high pitched and terrifying. The riff change around 5 minutes is worth the entry fee. There might only be 3 in the band but they create some merry din whilst showing some deft touches. From these 2 tracks especially they are definitely heading into a more progressive field.

A Look Back At Previous Recordings:

The last 3 which have been released previously are all good as well. “The Count” has a Queens Of The Stone Age style riff at one point and it grooves merrily. A complete foot-stomper with the lyric line (if I caught it correctly) “he is a son of the devil” that just makes you want to join in. “Sleepless” has a bass intro and a slightly jazzy feel whilst still sounding nasty and horrible, at least in a good way. If you suffer from nightmares (I do due to medicines I have to use for cardiac problems) then be aware this song will not help you one little bit. It did remind me a little of Voivod although I have no idea if they are a particular influence on the band!

Last track “Swamp Thing” is a groovy and funky little number. A mix of say Clutch and early 70 bands like Cactus and Blue Cheer. This is quite easy on the ear for the most part although it gets more doom-laden later on in the song.

Final Thoughts:

From my first impressions of hearing King Corpse, I can say I enjoy them. Plenty going on style-wise whilst trying to slowly smash my skull in with fuzz and heavy riffs. All 3 guys know their jobs and work well together making a hell of a racket with some finesse thrown in. Bet they are ferocious live. Check them out if you like heavy shit!

Purchase EP From Friday HERE

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