EP Review: Trendkill – Blood for the Crown (TK Records)

Trendkill deliver a memorable slab of masterful metal with Blood for the Crown. Their final EP as they go on an indefinite hiatus.

Blood for the Crown was released through their own TK Records on the 15th of November, marking what is hopefully just a pause, and not the end for the North East of England’s finest export.

The groove, thrash machine that is Trendkill has been making heads bang and pits swirl for years and have built up an army of followers. Likened to masters of our scene like Pantera, Trivium, Machine Head, Sylosis and more, they bring that same level of quality with a modern touch. A their core, they are just 4 friends making heavy metal and they are bloody good at it. We here at GBHBL are long term fans and they will be greatly missed. In a statement from the band, they say:

In the same way that they have operated over their career to date, Trendkill want to make sure they step back but leave a mark and they do that with some style, releasing a 4 track EP called Blood for the Crown. And what a way to Step back, starting with the absolutely infectious Step Inside. It’s a banger, catchy, heavy with a mix of genres and loads of transitions and vocal range. As mentioned on our Single Slam where we state:

It’s becoming less of a secret, thankfully, but Trendkill are an awesome band and continue their fantastic run of hits with this latest substantial head-banger. A track that starts off heavy (big drums, furious riffs, and epic vocals), and stays that way to the very end, albeit showcasing an accessible edge that slips into different genre territories here and there.

Then we get the lead guitarist wet dream that is A Rare Serenity. A song that just mesmerises with it’s different rhythms, punchy riffs and vocal prowess all while the lead guitars go full Dimebag Daryll  hitting us with screeching lines and soloing. The bass is thick and rumbling, the drums hammering out a groove laden beat. It’s a hypnotic track and one that demands banging heads.

Scratch the Surface keeps the quality coming with a darker and menacing sound. Plenty of scratching riffs and that Trendkill groove is still there but with an extra dollop of aggression through the meaty hooks and threatening vocals. Get your gurn on and those neck muscles working. I’s what the song deserves. Chuck in their signature screaming solo and plenty of intense rhythm sections and it’s just pure heavy metal quality. Something we have come to associate with this band.

We close out this EP and this chapter with Trendkill with the title track, Blood for the Crown. No surprises for guessing that it is a stunner. I almost feel like this is unfair. Imagine the last song for a band just going off on hiatus is as good as this, a song that leaves you desperate for more, but there is no more coming. That’s a depressing thought. For now though, just lose yourself in the rumbling bass, pounding drums and intense riffs of this banger. Vocals that ooze class and power, a song that flows so well and keeps you constantly engaged. It’s awesome. Their awesome and will be missed massively.

Gone for now, but Trendkill aren’t a band to be forgotten. Instead what I hope happens is they take the time they need and deserve to find that motivation needed for a comeback, when they are ready. Until then, we have this EP and their previous releases to tide us over. Just check this out, shout about it to your mates, create a clamour. Perhaps enough voices roaring out Trendkill’s name can be the drive the band need to reemerge from their slumber when ready and deliver us our much needed fix of quality heavy metal.

Until that time, I hope the break gives them the time they need for themselves. I’m off to restart this EP and get headbanging again.

Trendkill Links

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