EP Review: Deathkings – Ex Nihilo (Self Released)

Formed in 2011, Deathkings are stalwarts of the gritty Los Angeles heavy music scene. The bands distinct take on heavy music earned them countless accolades early in their groups career, however in 2014 frontman, Nicholas Rocha battled incredibly serious health issues and found himself completely blind. Though it has been a long road, Rocha and the band have been able to make it work, with the dominant frontman participating in every aspect of the band from writing and recording to performing and managing.

On December 7th 2018 Deathkings return with their new EP entitled Ex Nihilo.

Purveyors of all things sludge and doom, Deathkings’ two track EP is a beast of a release. Two tracks that, while not wildly different, have clear light between them.

Absolution unleashes methodical and heavy riffing while the vocals howl with cold bitterness. The rhythm breaks apart after a short while, transforming into more melodic guitars before dropping away to let the bass reverberate while the drums subtly tap away. That depressing beat builds slightly to let a cleaner, yet still quite gruff, vocals style sing out increasing in noise as the track reaches a crescendo.

The second track, Celestial Birds actually approaches things a little more straightforward at first. The faster rhythm and throaty vocals giving off a bit of post-metal stylings but steeped in Deathkings signature heaviness. It’s the less complex sounding of the two but certainly doesn’t disappoint. As a two-song showcase, Ex Nihilo packs a hard punch. One that few people will just be able to recover from.

Deathkings- Ex Nihilo Full Track Listing:

1. Absolution
2. Celestial Birds

Head over to Deathkings’ Bandcamp to pick up their music and keep up to date via Facebook.