There is a very welcomed nu-metal resurgence on the rise with bands dipping their toe back into the world of off-kilter, raw unhinged Metal. There is even an argument that perhaps solely coining it a nu-metal resurgence is slightly derivative.
Whilst the likes of Code Orange could be thanked for opening the door to this revival it is still a genre that is as sprawling as it is diverse. At a time where bands such as Tallah, Loathe, Tetrarch, Spiritbox and so many more are breaking boundaries and reframing the nu-metal framework as we know it, it’d be easy to blink and miss an amazing release in the field. Introducing Sicksense, the talented metallers offering a wealth of musicianship and experience with vocalist Vicky Psarakis being well known for her deathly croon in The Agonist and vocalist (and husband to Vicky) Robby J. Fonts predominantly for his time as frontman in Stuck Mojo. The band are set to release their debut EP Kings Today on the 22nd April but how does it hold up?
Well, Kings Today is a relentless and diverse collection of music. Opener and title track of the EP hits with a brilliant groove and headbang quality to it. It’s initial hard-hitting Korn inspired riff leads to a brief dissonant focus on Psarakis’ head-splitting melodic screams. With rapped verses, a beautifully melodic chorus and subtle chops and changes the song soars in the final chorus where vocals are lifted to the next level. It makes for a hell of an impact to open proceedings.
Screaming vocals are used sporadically throughout the five track EP and their effectiveness is brilliant. ‘Forgotten Days’ is a good example of where the harshness and readiness is felt best, particularly when Fonts fires off on all barrels in a short screaming burst. The effortless shift between these vocal styles that slides into choruses of melody with Psarakis harnessing staggering energy and proficiency elevates the song.
Drawing on elements and structure similar to what Korn, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park crafted so well, ‘Make Believe’ is a perfect example of how even 20 years on this formula can feel fresh and can be used and adapted in a way to make song that is doesn’t hold back on being heavy but that is still full of melodic hooks and singalong moments. ‘Soul Snatcher’ is a heavy out the gates song that leads straight into a rap verse following an explosive riff and breakdown intro. The bridge hits like a sledgehammer and the thrashy high tempo sections provide needed variance. ‘Heart of Stone’ closes out the EP with confidence and consideration and shines a light on the vocal pairing and one two punch that Psarakis and Fonts can provide when they find rhythm in bouncing off one another.
Kings Today puts Sicksense on the map with a strong debut that see’s them come out the gates swinging. The EP almost feels like a taster palette for the band and shows their potential to expand and grow on the next release. It holds promise, determination, and raw grit that is delivered well but there’s definitely more to come. Diversely combining melodic choruses with heavier moments, ambient soundscapes and rap that doesn’t trapse over the usual tropes, Kings Today doesn’t reinvent the wheel however it does hone a sound that feels fresh and varied. It’s heavy, vibrant and fun with a truly special quality lying in the chemistry and play off of vocal talent and musical talent.