29th April 2023

Review: “Moment Of Clarity” by Kilonova

Having scorched the Earth with “Better Off Extinct” back in 2018, Newcastle Thrash overlords Kilonova were swiftly caught by a tidal wave that took them to Bloodstock Open Air Festival, an appearance which saw them join Bleed From Within, Cannibal Corpse and Gojira to name but a few and just six months after the band had made their live debut. 2019 saw the release of debut EP “Omnicide” which saw them tour throughout the United Kingdom and gain support from the likes of Kerrang Magazine. Vocalist Ellen Hill, drummer Steve Rouse, guitarist Jonny Sloan and bassist Joe Bambrick (the latter of whom both share backing vocal duties) then dropped standalone single “Immortal” in 2020 before taking a breath and their time to craft “Moment Of Clarity” during the time we affectionately call the Great Plague Years.

A majestic melodic build up brings the World of Kilonova to life once more as “Fragments” takes hold before the band put our ear drums to the sword with what is lyrically the EP title track. A Dani Filth esq roar from Hill accompanied by blast beats breaks into Thrash before slowing to an arena filling sing-a-long chorus that stirs the soul. It’s like Cradle Of Filth playing “Master Of Puppets” era Metallica covers and yet so much more as Kilonova have their own distinctive verve and swagger. Underpinning that bold and brave clean chorus with unclean vocals is a masterstroke of nuance that bursts out of the mix as the band capture all of their live energy like lightening in a bottle. “Burnt At The Stake” continues the electric pace, a neck snapping cut that finds Hill in a vicious frame of mind, barking and biting like a poisonous snake and demonstrating an incredible vocal range. A bass solo from Bambrick as well as buried in the mix gang chants add a touch of class before “Leeches and Parasites” flies out of hell’s gate with a banshee’s wail. Swirling dark atmospheres match the mood of the brooding lyrics, Hill scorned and this one being a cut with a name. Cleverly constructed, the band manage to combine a number of sub-genres and styles while doing them all justice, the flow of the track ensuring the listener is kept on the edge of the seat throughout.

Far from an Adam and Eve style biblical tale “Fruit of the Poisoned Tree” continues the personal lyrical narrative with a blood lust that will resonate with anyone who has had to endure a relationship where they’re on the receiving end. Sonically the band captivate with powerful percussive battery and bold rhythmic dynamics, creating a wonderfully dramatic rise and fall to mimic not only the lyrics but the vocal performance. Hill’s voice transforms from that of beautiful lover to demonically possessed beast and back, changing her style to suit the mood of a vocal line, which is seriously impressive. Bringing the curtain down on this collection of vicious cuts “Bleed by Example” brings back the old school Thrash nostalgia in style with riffs flying in all directions. Ensuring that the record is all killer, no filler the band go hell for leather and put down a marker for anyone who would dare share the stage with them in the live arena with a face melting extended solo adding the kind of flamboyant vibrance that will keep you coming back for more… [9/10]

Track Listing