Kruelty’s sophomore album, “Untopia,” isn’t for the faint of heart. This 2023 release is a relentless barrage of crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and pummeling drums, offering a potent blend of death metal and hardcore that will leave listeners breathless.
From the opening moments of “Unknown Nightmare,” with its ominous intro and slamming breakdowns, it’s clear Kruelty isn’t messing around. The five-piece band from Japan wastes no time in establishing their sonic identity: pure, unadulterated aggression. Vocalist Tatami unleashes a torrent of growls and shrieks, perfectly complementing the band’s dense and heavy instrumentation.
While some might find “Untopia”‘s brutality monotonous, Kruelty cleverly avoids this pitfall by incorporating elements of death metal into their hardcore foundation. This is evident in tracks like “Maze of Suffering,” which injects a dose of old-school death metal charm with its churning riffs and blast beats. The drumming throughout the album deserves special mention, as it seamlessly shifts between punishing blast beats and groove-laden mid-tempo sections.
The production on “Untopia” is raw and in-your-face, which some might see as a drawback. However, this grittiness perfectly complements the band’s overall aesthetic. It creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, making the listener feel like they’re right there in the mosh pit.
Clocking in at just under 38 minutes, “Untopia” doesn’t overstay its welcome. Each of the seven tracks is a tightly constructed assault on the senses, ensuring the album maintains its intensity throughout. The closing track, “Manufactured Insanity,” is a fitting finale, leaving the listener feeling pummeled but exhilarated.
Kruelty’s “Untopia” is a must-listen for fans of extreme music. It’s a potent cocktail of death metal and hardcore that will appeal to those who crave pure sonic brutality. While it might not be for everyone, for those who appreciate aural annihilation, “Untopia” delivers in spades.
Leave a Reply