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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the theatre is back in town. WARD XVI have built up a reputation of being one of the most fearsome underground acts in the UK thanks to their eye-popping stage shows, sinister aesthetic and a shock-rock sound that blends both old and new. Their two previous records – 2017’s The Art of Manipulation and 2020’s Metamorphosis – have followed the macabre adventures of serial killer Psychoberrie (ably played onstage by WARD XVI‘s maverick vocalist, who takes on the same name) and this third record is the last of that trilogy: Id3ntity.
As ambitious as it is complex, Id3ntity opens with radio snippets telling of Psychoberrie‘s release from the prison that has held her captive before jumping into the meat of Regeneration, a well-paced, gothic metal stomp reminiscent of LACUNA COIL; the chorus is a little repetitive, admittedly, but it’s nonetheless catch and the track is more instant than its follow up Into the Wilderness, although that too boasts a memorable chorus, this one soaring with the help of Psychoberrie‘s keyboards; its guitar solo, expertly played by David Stott (that’s Doktor Von Stottenstein to you and I) doesn’t shy away from the man’s IRON MAIDEN influences, instead allowing them to shine. Speaking of the legendary metallers, the riff at the beginning of What’s In the Box is another indication of Stott‘s inspiration, complimenting a delightfully creepy trinket box opening before the song descends into a whirlwind of synths and classic, PRIEST-esque riffs.
The album is interspersed with spoken word interludes that talk of Psychoberrie‘s struggles with fame, fortune and her eventual descent into darkness, ably supported around them by tracks that help tell the protagonist’s take with more colour. Perhaps the highlight is Blood Is the New Black, an industrial banger that owes a lot of its prowess to ROB ZOMBIE, but At the Window‘s tip of the hat to IN THIS MOMENT is not only just as potent, but contains arguably Psychoberrie‘s greatest vocal performance on the album, as she conveys a host of emotions and all with expert delivery.
Things get darker after the second interlude, which talks about how Psychoberrie‘s life had gone awry, the Eastern-tinged Darkest Desire and more progressive Amoeba of Madness culminating in possibly the first chapter of the next era; We Are Legion, replete with gang vocals to emphasise the title, is either an indication that we could be about to delve into the many voices inside Psychoberrie‘s head or that she’s somehow managed to gather an army on the outside who were awaiting the freedom of their leader. That’s probably a revelation for another time, but until then there’s enough to chew on; the best stories do take their time to tell and while Id3ntity clocks in at an hour – which may deter some listeners – it’s worth the patience to uncover its secrets.
There is always an aim to end trilogies as strongly as they began, if not stronger; in WARD XVI‘s case, they’ve ended this particular trilogy as The Lord of The Rings did with The Return of the King – they’ve saved the best instalment until last. Their creative juices still run as freely as the blood of Psychoberrie‘s victims, and it’s evident they’ve still got plenty left in the tank for future, demonic ventures. Be afraid, be very afraid…
Rating: 8/10
Id3ntity is out now via Earache Records.
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: Id3ntity – Ward XVI appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
