After years of cultivating a dedicated following through a series of electrifying bootlegs and viral edits, Galway-born producer and DJ Evan Campbell, better known as KETTAMA, has unleashed his definitive artistic statement: the debut album 'Archangel'. A decade in the making, the 15-track release on Steel City Dance Discs arrives at a pivotal moment, cementing KETTAMA’s position as one of the most vital and forward-thinking voices in contemporary club culture.
The album is a sonic journey that defies easy categorisation. While KETTAMA is celebrated for his high-octane, hard-hitting sets, Archangel showcases a broader emotional and technical range. It’s a masterclass in fusing diverse sounds, from the raw power of hard-house to the euphoric highs of trance and the nostalgic rhythms of breakbeat. The record feels equally at home in the dark, sweaty confines of an underground basement as it does on a sprawling festival stage, a testament to its versatile production. This is an artist who isn't afraid to reject subtlety, using towering chords and smacking drums to maximise emotional impact.
A key highlight of the album is its impressive roster of collaborations. KETTAMA links up with some of electronic music's biggest names, creating some of the year's most talked-about tracks. 'Yosemite' with Interplanetary Criminal is a speed-garage anthem bursting with rave energy, while 'If U Want My Heart' featuring DJ HEARTSTRING and KLP blends trance, breakbeats, and soaring vocals into a peak-time banger.
The introspective and emotional depth of 'Air Maxes,' featuring Fred again.. and Shady Nasty, reveals a different side of KETTAMA’s sound; it represents a moment of catharsis that shows his creativity stems from his own limitations and instincts rather than external pressure. Perhaps the most defining track is 'It Gets Better (Forever Mix),' which has already become an undeniable summer anthem, heard on dance floors worldwide.
KETTAMA’s ascent to fame has been anything but conventional. Having bypassed traditional industry gatekeepers, he built a fiercely loyal global fanbase through platforms like SoundCloud and TikTok. He is a prime example of a new generation of artists who have forged success on their own terms. Following a landmark year that saw him perform at major festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella, hold a residency in Ibiza, and play to 20,000 people in Belfast, the release of 'Archangel' confirms KETTAMA has reached a new creative apex.
With a sold-out tour and headline slots at New Year's festivals like Beyond The Valley and Wildlands, his relentless rise continues, taking the unique sound of his native 'G-Town' to unprecedented heights. For more on the lead up to the album, join KETTAMA on Instagram and TikTok.
