Review: “Ravenous” by Kaosquad (6th Anniversary)

Hailing from Blatná in Czechia, Kaosquad are a Deathgrind trio who like nothing more than attempting to trigger brain haemorrhages, an activity they’ve partaken in since 2009. Recorded in true DIY or DIE style in October 2019 “Ravenous” is either a sophomore EP or a demo depending on who you’re asking. The cover artwork looks like some kind of cannibalistic occult ritual which is of course perfectly fitting for the genre but how does the record hold up six years after it first reared its ugly head?

The story begins with the title track “Ravenous“, a cut which depicts a scene akin to what we witnessed in 1993’s Alive as trapped in a cave during a snowstorm people turn to cannibalism to survive. A wretched tale made all the more bleak by the barbed riff attack and depraved vocals, it has all the menacing and sinister overtones that you could possibly want and then some. Powerful bass grooves and old school stylings take us back to the 90’s Death Metal scene during the thirty eight second burst of violent turbulence that is “Napalm“, a classic inspired by the insanity of the Vietnam War. “Lined up” is more socially aware than anyone will give it credit for because of its sheer brutality, the blistering sixty second affair the sounding of a shotgun blast that opens the minds eye to the realities of this world. Imagine if 2002’s Equilibrium with Christian Bale was real… it makes you shudder to think. The scorched earth policy continues with the vicious “Drun(k)en“, the band operating a slow, slow, fast tactic to grind the discerning listener into a pulp. Blast beats, barbed riffs and clanky bass lines with a few moments of dirge thrown in for good measure is all you need to get this party started. A Hardcore Punk style tune on steroids “Reckoning” is as abrasive as the rest of the record but has that clenched fist of defiance about it that separates it from the pack. A blistering tune that is surprising catchy, it’s one that you’ll come back to time and again as a angry anthem quite like no other [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Ravenous
2. Napalm
3. Lined up
4. Drun(k)en
5. Reckoning

“Ravenous” by Kaosquad is out 17th January 2020 via Magick Disk Musick and is available over at bandcamp