Another slap in the face from Kruelty.
After a devastating second album last year, the Japanese band led by Zuma (guitar/vocals, Cadaveribus, Without Defeat), Seina (bass) and Mani (drums, Without Defeat) unveil Profane Usurpation, their new EP, via Closed Casket Activities.
Absolute Terror kicks off with an ominous sample of screams and piano, but saturation soon arrives and hits us in the face with a savage rhythmic beat topped by massive vociferations. The band’s brutal touch and Hardcore roots make us want to mosh with our arms and legs, and they take the opportunity to add some aggressive acceleration before Profane Usurpation, the eponymous track, comes in. The recipe is similar, both in terms of riffing and effectiveness, and the eruptions of rage redouble in intensity to trample us as we join Bloodless Mankind, where a brief moment’s respite allows us to catch our breath with that scream of terror in the background. The agitated rhythm is back, of course, to shatter our jaws like an uncontrollable hurricane, speeding up and braking relentlessly until No Fear of Judgement takes its place with similar animosity and backing vocals just as vindictive as the infectious lead vocal, which also fits in well with this slower and more apocalyptic passage.
The Japanese scene has always been high quality and prolific, whatever the style, but Kruelty have stood out lately. Their line-up has evolved, but the musicians have kept their focus, making Profane Usurpation a real uppercut.
95/100
