EP Review: Kvilla – The Ward (Self Released)

Extreme metal/hardcore band Kvilla hail from Manchester in the UK and will release their brand-new EP entitled ‘The Ward’ on November 13th 2020.

An apt title, you can tell something is Stirring in The Ward and with an explosive showcase of metal power, Kvilla fully awaken with the ferocious Stigma. A mental battering of thick and sinewy noise that has black metal depth while being uncompromising with its death metal fire.

The 47 second intermission that is Aconite serves to heighten the tension but there’s no way to fully prepare yourself for the snarling beast of frantic noise that is Red Pill. A delight of a track as it effortlessly spins things in hardcore circles before dropping the tempo for a slice of meaty post-like heaviness. This is Kvilla at their absolute best.

It’s with even more volatile vehemence that Wake Up arrives to demand every bit of your attention and it’s impossible to not give it. The vocals are a powerhouse of howling horror-fuelled nightmares. Whereas Outlast is all about the filthy and grim sounding riffs. The measured pulse is less frantic and wild but Kvilla make up for that through sheer heavyweight power.

Before things go beyond what is expected at this stage with the mind-melting extravagance of Swan. An electrifying and coarse effort that pulls and pushes from all metal-infused directions. Yet, Kvilla have such a skilful and proficient touch it never sounds messy.

Which makes the finale of Orchid feel light by comparisons, being a lengthy outro of eerie sounds and effects.

The Ward is a lot of things but the over-riding one is… brilliant.

Kvilla – The Ward Full Track Listing:

1. Stirring
2. Stigma
3. Aconite
4. Red Pill
5. Wake Up
6. Outlast
7. Swan
8. Orchid

Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube