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Finnish rock pioneers LUNA KILLS have launched their debut album Deathmatch into the sonic stratosphere with their take on nu metal. Opening the record with love u, straight away the gothic undertones permeate. These will weave their way in and out of the record right to the closing track. Heavy guitars accompanying lead vocalist Lotta Ruutiainen’s screams leave no shadow of doubt about where this album is going. Expressing that raw emotional vulnerability that can be so hard to capture. Early on in the album there is a balance, sonically and emotionally. They have wasted no time when it comes to drawing the listener in.
Forming in 2019, this band left listeners waiting for that full-length to solidify what kind of band LUNA KILLS is. Although their sound consists of many influences one thing that has been consistent across this record and previous releases is their emotional vulnerability. Leech, only the second track, has a beautiful balance of levity and severity. The juxtaposition of clean vocals relays the vulnerable side of the lyrics, while Ruutiainen’s screaming brings frustration and angry undertones. Interestingly the lyric ‘I burn off my skin’, appears as both clean vocals and screams. This adds a beautiful emotional depth to the track. Despite being a visceral lyric, executing the lyric in both techniques conveys both anger and vulnerability. If the line was presented in one technique throughout it would change the impact of the song as a whole.
LUNA KILLS are familiar with including video game soundtrack inspirations in their music. This comes through on Sugar Rush and Get Mad. There is something specifically nostalgic about Sugar Rush, and although not a pop song there is an air of 00s LADY GAGA lacing it, reminding listeners that they are not a one-sided band. Despite being an album of bangers it is on the short side. However, the level of diversification of their tracks should not be overlooked. There is always a danger in eclectic debut albums. Are they throwing everything in their wheelhouse at this record, or perhaps are they struggling to find a definitive vision? Overall, it is a cohesive record despite the slight direction changes on some songs. It tends to lean more toward showing off their wheelhouse side of things. it’s an emotional vulnerability that ties the whole piece together.
The diversity is not only in Ruutiainen’s vocal capabilities. The whole band demonstrate how they can manipulate their own instruments to invoke different emotions based on their techniques and how heavy they choose to go. Their talents are made clear on Waves, it has a dreamlike or ethereal-like quality. This introduces the listener to the second half of the album. The first half is full of racing guitars, thundering drums and screams. The second half although still heavy has more elements of vulnerability and even playfulness. Bringing the whole album to a close with Fever Dream tying the whole listening experience together.
Deathmatch keeps things fresh throughout all 10 tracks. For a debut album, it ticks all the right boxes, while keeping the door wide open for what they may do next. It’s an example of how diverse the band can be while staying true to their heavier roots. A multitude of influences are on this record from start to finish, everything from BRING ME THE HORIZON, to LINKIN PARK to even a Nintendo 64. They’re a band who are playing to their strengths and will not be put in a box when it comes to genre. They’re a band brimming with potential, with a powerful album. It will be exciting to see how they translate this record to the stage.
Rating: 7/10
Deathmatch is set for release on April 4th via SharpTone Records.
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: Deathmatch – Luna Kills appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
