18th December 2024

Review: “Epitaphs of War” by Ka’rah

Imagine if you will, a band that combines the raw energy of the 1980’s era of Thrash and the musicality of modern Death Metal. What would that sound like? The answer is one that Croatian Death Thrash purveyors Ka’rah claim as their territory having built their sound over the past two years. Originally starting out as a writing partnership between guitarist Slavko Vokić and vocalist Vitan Bukvić in 2022, they were soon joined by ex-Mamut drummer Marin Horvat and bassist Lucija Brevulj before the arrival of second guitarist David Butorac as they strived to create a heavier sound. Tales of death and violence from the darker side of society make up their debut EP “Epitaphs of War“…

As “Decapitator” tears another hole in the ear drum it feels very much like Ka’rah have influences in Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse as classic early Thrash riffs from the darker side of the spoon fly in all direction and brutal death growled vocals from Bukvić threaten to cave your skull in. The beauty of this one is the whammy bar action which adds to the insanity before the blitzkrieg that is “Blasphemous Preacher“. A tale in which the preacher is in fact the demon depicted in the cover artwork, it’s a savage onslaught of caustic riffs and blistering rhythms before the band push themselves into crossover Thrash territory with a couple of Hardcore inspired riffs. It maybe short lived but it is a nice touch that demonstrates there is more to this band that meets the ear, especially when it comes to their sphere of influences. A bass solo from Brevulj that leads into a face melting extended guitar solo makes “Ruthless Leader” a stand out cut, the old school rhythmic dynamic giving it an instant appeal in familiarity. The vocals are the single heaviest element, the kind that mean the lyrics are all heard clearly but it is a close run thing on a few occasions. “Cannibal Hymn” brings the bloodstained sheet down on proceedings with another flamboyant solo and a sinister urge, the screamed final vocals a fine moment in this horror story. Far from a demo, this is debut record is a genuinely polished one that creates a solid foundation so all that is left is for the quintet to expand their horizons by letting the creative juices flow with their next set of confessions at the alter of the damned… [7.5/10]

Track Listing