ALBUM REVIEW: Death Melodies – Kill The Lights
Listen to a few mid-2000s metalcore albums nowadays and it’s striking how guitar-oriented they were. There is a stereotype that breakdowns ruled the airwaves, but bands like DARKEST HOUR and UNEARTH were shred-enthusiasts and filled their music with spiralling, lightning-fingered fretwork. Fast-rising UK lads KILL THE LIGHTS continue that tradition with Death Melodies, an axe-focused collection of songs that sees them making a bold, confident stab at greatness. They’re more polished than those older bands and this might be a bit too unvarnished for some folks, but for the most part, Death Melodies is a highly enjoyable sophomore release.
The band originally made a name for themselves with a promising debut that came out in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Formed by ex-members of BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, THREAT SIGNAL, THROW THE FIGHT and STILL REMAINS, they had serious credentials before even playing a song and managed to generate quite a buzz despite not being able to tour. Death Melodies improves on their first album and should help them maintain the upward trajectory; it’s full of catchy choruses, big melodies and it sounds terrific.
In fact, it sounds so good that it might even work against them. Death Melodies is pristine and crisp, every note is crystal clear and anyone who likes their metal to have a touch of grit in the mixing will find it too shiny. There’s not much dirt beneath the fingernails and there’s bound to be a metalcore gatekeeper or two who find this off-putting.
That being said, don’t let elitism turn you away because there’s some absolute bangers in here. The starting duo of Hear You Scream and Die Alone are fast-paced, hook-laden and very easy to like. There’s an obvious comparison to be made with Scream Aim Fire-era BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and if you enjoyed the work of drummer Michael ‘Moose’ Thomas’ former band, you’re all but guaranteed to like this too. And that’s before future live favourite Broken Bones lands with all the impact of an extinction event triggering asteroid.
Their poppier sensibilities get a chance to shine on The Bleeding, a track that marries sweet melodies with an aggressive intensity, while Scapegoat is a slab of air-guitaring fun. Mosh fanatics will love the antagonistic Wasting Away, and Man Without A Face has some exceptional euro-riffage that should make them a welcome addition to the festival circuit.
Death Melodies has a lot to commend, but if we were to be critical, not all of it works. The band haven’t quite managed to write a convincing ballad and while they’re very good at their chosen formula, Death Melodies does get repetitive towards the end. The later tracks are a bit samey and it marginally outstays its welcome, but overall it’s a very fun listen. KILL THE LIGHTS have a serious knack for writing big tunes and guitar aficionados will love this. This is well-executed modern metal with an eye on Radio 1 and some of the melodies are irresistible.
Rating: 7/10
Death Melodies is set for release on March 8th via Fearless Records.
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