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On disc: Kill II This



- Kill II This - Amir Djawadi - 8 stars
- Trinity - Amir Djawadi - 6 stars
- mass.[down]-sin.(drone) - Claudia Ehrhardt - 9 stars









mass.[down]-sin.(drone)

mass.[down]-sin.(drone)
(Loudspeaker Rec. - 2003)


This is the 4th album of the Manchester-based band Kill II This. Many metal fans know the band from touring with bands like Annihilator, Paradise Lost, Fear Factory and Slipknot. Their soundscapes fitting to the different genres, coz their metal is combining industrial elements and some gothic sparkles are added. But there is much more in their sound. Emotional parts, symphonic beauty and aggression. The quartet don't limit themselves by genre restrictions. A good example for the outstanding sound of Kill II This is Frame By Frame. Singer Phillip Bretnall varies in one song from emotive melodies to aggressive spitted words and back. On The Universe In A Nutshell the four use repetitions of words from the chorus line in the backings to make the song more intense. The tight rhythm section built by Pete Stone (bass) and drummer Steve Rooney are the basis for the innovative guitar sounds of Mark Mynett. On Circles symphonic sounds and melancholy vocals create a moody atmosphere. Followed by Gender Re-Assignment which starts with distorted spoken words, then an unusual beat leads into a heavy track with industrial and progressive elements. Fast guitar-driven parts are loosen up the melodic slower ones and vocals which range from emotional ones to aggressive shouts. Great metal! Well done!


9 stars

Claudia Ehrhardt
 

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Trinity

Trinity
(Visible Noise - 1998)


Many bands don't find the balance, they entangle in endless melodic arrangements or just brutally hit the strings and skins. Luckily Kill II This is different. The Manchester-based band continues what they started with the predecessor Deviate. After an intro they go straight ahead and present themselves with hardness. Matt Pollock's voice is aggressive here and melodic there. Founder Mark Mynett impresses with fat guitar riffs, melodies and impressive solos. The four-strings are played by Caroline Campbell and on the drums the young Ben Calvert shows his talent. Nothing really innovative can be found on Trinity, but they managed to strengthen their own style at a time where it's almost impossible to create something brand-new. At least to have the will to be innovative and that they aren't just another copycat makes the British quite sympathetic. They sound fresh, modern and try to sound interesting.
My personal favorites are Trinity - the title track - and God On Drugs, but this is just a tip what to check out. A highlight in the beginning flood of numerous releases in 2000 which I can recommend.
With samples and electronic sounds they don't have to hide and can cope with bands like Fear Factory. If you have the chance to see the quartet live - they tour e.g. with Slipknot in Europe - give them a chance. Probably some festival appearances will follow...


6 stars

Amir Djawadi
(translation: Claudia Ehrhardt)
 

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Kill II This

Kill II This
(Hardware Records)


From the ashes of the power metal band China Beach arose the quartet Kill II This. Actually the band from Stockport just changed the singer and the name and the sound a little bit. The new singer is former Power shouter Nick Arlea and he brought new influences and elements into the sound of Kill II This. It takes a few spins to get into this album. Arlea sound like the God-like voice of Chuck Billy who is a trademark for the Testament sound. Musically they are closer to the last Vicious Rumors outputs. Songs like Bleeding, Stillborn and Blessed Are The Blind show that power trash metal can sound fresh and ambitious. A decent release of the British in a time where most try to be part of a trend these guys do their own thing.


8 stars

Amir Djawadi
(translation: Claudia Ehrhardt)
 

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