Killing Of A Sacred Deer. Reading it or even saying it gives off a certain energy that needs to be backed by an even bigger force. Thankfully, the self-titled debut EP from the band not only lives up to it, but builds on it. Born from the mind of Serration drummer Colter James, Killing Of A Sacred Deer takes elements from deathcore and metallic hardcore, morphing them into 15 minutes of uncomfortable listening. That’s not a bad thing at all, as the EP is short yet punchy and nails its goal of being a refreshing take on the genres.
In the short time it has the EP covers plenty of metallic ground. Opener ‘Scarlett Halo’ is a chaotic blast beat-infused slice of industrial deathcore that demonstrates what the band is capable of, featuring a shotgun snare that knocks you out cold if you aren’t careful enough. The band as a whole creative force expand on what the current hardcore scene is doing today. The sharp piercing guitars across the EP provide a stomach churning outlook, backed by their malicious intent on proving how vicious they can be on the no holds barred ‘Heaven Progenitor’, which is the by far the most searing track on here. The machine gun kick drums backed by the guitars show the lack of remorse on your ear drums.
Speaking of the band we know that James is the lead vocalist, and does a grotesque job across the EP, so that leaves the instrumentation side. We don’t know who’s behind the kit or even on guitars, all we know is that Colter has recruited band mates from World Of Pleasure, Serration, & Mortality Rate, with a member from Secret & Whisper added to the fold for intensity.
‘25.4mm From Death’ continues the relentless attack of face contorting grooves meshed with chugs and abhorrent vocals that complement each other without overshadowing one another. But the main take from this song is the lyrical content as it’s much more graphic than the others on the EP and gives quite the unnerving listening experience. Aided by a vocal feature from Cauldron vocalist Frazer Cassling it’s intense nature is boosted with Cassling’s added rough edge as he roars across the track.
That’s another point that needs covering. The features on the EP. There are two songs here without a feature. Starting with the visceral attack of ‘Mangled Flesh Cathedral’ which is the perfect mix between hardcore and deathcore with James’ vocals gurgling through the abrasive instruments and deafening snare drum. And ending with the beautiful industrial layered instrumental ‘Dried Flowers Bathed In Viscera’ which is a gorgeous break from the insanity the EP has suffocated you in. All other tracks on the EP include a vocal feature. It may seem like overkill to have four out of seven tracks have additional vocalists, but it’s quite the opposite.
The added vocals create an extra layer to the already agonizing songs that are blink and you’ll miss them moments. The stand out feature on the album is Jess Nyx of World of Pleasure/Mortality Rate on the single Devotion as they combine their contrast of vocal styles with the unforgiving ferality behind them. It’s actually quite staggering how much is packed into the 15-minute EP and how quick it goes from start to finish. The whirlpool on genres is well balanced and focused on keeping you locked in for the duration. Its undying spirit to keep advancing on the more modern take on hardcore is radiant and full of heart and violence. If this is what they can accomplish on in a short burst, it makes you wonder what they could do with a full length under their belt.