Release Date: November 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Creeper - Tracklisting
1.Creeper 04:54
2.Resurrection 03:02
3.Shotgun Sally 05:07
Members
Luke Oram - Vocals
Evan Cooper - Drums
Josh Hodgson - Guitars
Review
Creeper is the debut EP from Psych/Doom/Stoner Metallers King Cruel who are another cool band to check out from the burgeoning New Zealand underground scene. Taking cues from bands such as Black Sabbath, Uncle Acid and The Obsessed. King Cruel brings a seedy and sinister 1970’s Doom Metal attitude to their modern day based Fuzzed Up Stoner Metal sound which is beefed up by Sludgy Psychedelics and trippy guitars. The vocals are quite melodic which I didn’t expect with the dark lyrics the band have written for the three tracks for the EP.
Switching between different styles and creative themes from the Doom/Stoner Rock world, King Cruel play a muscular and aggressive style of music with the stunning guitar work of Josh Hodgson being my favourite part of the whole EP. Josh brings a punishing sound to the EP with stellar work from lead vocalist Luke Oram and intense drums from Evan Cooper.
All the tracks on Creeper are absolute bangers and all equally good as each other with King Cruel playing stylish FUZZY and SLUDGY guitars against a backdrop of Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Metal which moves further into SONIC DISTORTION and freaky atmospheric sounds that gives the band a more modern based vibe to the whole EP.
Creeper is a great way for King Cruel to introduce themselves to the Doom/Stoner Metal scene. As this EP is bloody first rate entertainment which benefits from sublime production values which Evan Cooper and Josh Hodgson are mostly responsible for. Luke Oram deserves praise for the stunning artwork for Creeper. As this allows the listener what to expect from Creeper.
King Cruel have the potential to be future breakout stars from the New Zealand Doom/Stoner Metal scene. I await future releases from King Cruel with great anticipation. Check this great band out now.
Words by Steve Howe
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