While I'm not too familiar with a whole lot of Italian extreme metal bands, the ones that I've heard in my day always possessed some sort of novel quality or distinct heaviness that blew me away. Putridity and Fleshgod Apocalypse are somewhat a testament to that. And, while I couldn't find too much info on today's artist in the way of social media and such, there is quite a bit to ponder about the aesthetics of three-piece band Kabal. Formed originally in 2017 by two Italian death metallers (Matteo from Indecent Excision & Max of Vomit The Soul), Kabal aims at being a brutal hardcore experience for listeners. Soon after, the outfit also introduced the inclusion of drummer Basti Ma of Carnal Decay.
In comes the hardcore trio with what is known as their debut self-titled EP and perhaps breakthrough release. It was recorded in the summer of 2018 and consists of six spine-tingling songs...culminating in around 17 minutes or so of some heavy hardcore content, brutal riffs and cool vocals. Interestingly enough, the EP is also being co-released via both the 1054 Records (AUS) and Rising Nemesis Records (GER) labels on March 1st, 2019. So, without further ado, let's get right into what makes this little EP tick.
Okay for starters, yes, this isn't the most technical or innovative EP around. But that's not the point. This release is one that is strictly hardcore (albeit with some more heavy or brutal elements than many others) that aims to get you pumped with its unending energy, vocal emotion and nostalgic production that ties everything else together. I'd personally have to say that the low vocal range and some of the chuggy riffs are my two fave traits about this EP.
The release starts off in the form of 'Last Sun', which sounds like a more oldschool hardcore-inspired track in the vein of Hatebreed & Sworn Enemy and with those similar fast paced riffs to boot. Some of the vocals also give off a sort of Waking The Cadaver/Hate Diplomacy-esque vibe at points, if you're into that (pig squeals aside). Then it delves into one of my personal faves 'Inhuman', with its blast beats and heavy breakdowns showing off all the rage. 'Disciple' I thought was pretty hit-or-miss aside from the first couple riffs, but the next two tracks ('Torn Apart' & 'Nailed Down') are my definite go-to's in this one. I enjoy the interesting structure and build-ups of 'Torn Apart' and 'Nailed Down' has some great lyrics if you listen close enough. Overall, this EP is a brief but heavy one.
Kabal's debut self-titled EP does show a lot of energy and ambition despite some of its simplicity. It won't exactly blow you away, but, at the same time, the EP will surely leave you with some sense of satisfaction with its memorable hardcore riffs, aggressive vocals and all the good, brutal stuff in between. Again, I wish there were some more slam riffs or gutturals; but then again, that's not what this release is all about. It knows what it's going for and sticks with it and for that reason it succeeds as a breakthrough for the band.
Fave Tracks: 'Inhuman', 'Torn Apart', 'Nailed Down'
For Fans Of: Hatebreed, No Zodiac
**This release is available now at RNR's online store and 1054's BigCartel here!**
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-Review by: Dave Raffy
Musician, reviewer, fan & promoter
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