Review: “Circling The Drain” by Kuro

“This EP is the pinnacle of our growth. We DIY recorded it with producer Pieter Rietkerk and landed on a solid, antagonistic alt-metal sound we’re proud of – lyrically it speaks to the anxiety of trying to thrive in a relentlessly unstable world.” ~ Kuro

Having shared stages with the legendary Combichrist off the back of their 2023 EP “Social Venality“, Glasgow Electronic Dance Metal outfit Kuro have come a long way in the shadow of discontent. Known for their angst, eyeliner and live energy they have genre-bending appeal, blending Industrial and Nu-Metal elements together to create a hard edged sound that will make you wonder if you’re in a night club or at a construction site. Produced, mixed and mastered by Pieter Rietkerk (Wargasam, Uriah Heep, Slowdive) the bands latest offering “Circling The Drain” is the culmination of several years of work with the music video for opening track “Closing In” first surfacing in November 2024…

Taking inspiration from the likes of Motionless In White and Dope, opening cut “Closing In” combines elements from Industrial and Nu-Metal to put bounce in the mosh pit with American accented vocals and satisfyingly crunchy guitars. Its a push that makes you want to move, a modernized interpretation of something you’ve heard before that means it has instant mass appeal as the rust has been sandblasted off. Eerie synths and Pitchshifter style electronics give “No Exit” something different, the gang chanted “There is no way out!” breaking up the rant laden Spider One of Powerman 5000 like clean vocals as the chugging guitars pack a weighty punch. Catchy and infectious this one will no doubt get airplay on American Hard Rock radio as it’s powerful enough to get you singing along after just the first spin. The electronics are fierce, a critical part of what makes this band tick so if you’re not into that Industrial edged sound then it’s time to turn the page.

Live and direct “I Hate You” features a guest appearance from Laurie Black while continuing the narrative of the earlier cuts, the distorted speak and spell toy like distortions giving something else to interfere with the frequencies that channel important signals through your brain. One you might label a guilty pleasure if you’ve been brought up on a diet of Nu-Metal and nails, its all fun until someone loses a limb. What makes this work is that there there is plenty of substance to the style, Kuro backing their vision for their sound all the way and pushing themselves as musicians to match it without compromise. “Insane” is another fine example, maintaining the electrifying energy levels of the bands offerings with just enough deviation to make it stand out from the pack. Repeating lyrical phrasings ensures “Opium” gets under the skin, an ear worm of icy synth moments and groove laden drum patterns that will make you itch. The four piece have done themselves justice with the quality of this endeavor, raising their game to create something sharper, more focused and perhaps crucially more complete than their previous cryptic writings [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Closing In
2. No Exit
3. I Hate You (ft. Laurie Black)
4. Insane
5. Opium

“Circling The Drain” by Kuro is out 3rd October 2025