Emerging from the long, dark shadow of the global pandemic, Swedish outfit Killing Kind has forged a bold and wonderfully nostalgic sound on their sophomore album, ‘Being Human’. An eleven-track anthology, the new record is a brooding, beautiful beast, weaving together the gothic introspection of The Cure, the synthetic cool of Depeche Mode, and the artistic flair of David Bowie.
The album’s title and lyrical themes, exploring classic sci-fi and horror tropes to capture the chaos of our times, feel particularly poignant. It's a record for a world where we "keep trying to extinguish great fires with gasoline", creating a deft, immersive scene filled with “incantations and chants for a dying world.” The music itself is a tour de force, a vital accompaniment to the themes that shine with a visceral blend of nostalgic new wave and industrial-tinged synth pop.
The band's sonic evolution is on show throughout, thanks in large part to the legendary Sunlight Studio and producer Tomas Skogsberg. Known for his work with death metal pioneers like Entombed and Dismember, Skogsberg's touch adds a gritty, heavier depth to the band's post-punk framework. This analogue approach pays dividends on ‘Being Human’, giving it a raw, atmospheric feel that draws you in time and time again.
Leading the charge is ‘Desperately Holding On’, a track with strong connections to classic post-punk, propelled by effective drums, sparkling synth arpeggios, and a simple but hooky bassline. Following it is ‘The Wall’, a more expressive and slowly building piece that sees gentle strings from guest Lidija Radmilac blend seamlessly with Björn Norberg's emotive vocals and lingering refrains.
Elsewhere on the album, tracks like ‘Dance’ and ‘Choking’ plunge headfirst into bold synths and industrial crunch, while ‘Warriors And Carpenters’ balance a vintage vibe with swirling, modern arrangements. ‘Let The Demons Take The Win’ stands out as a stark highlight, anchored by a powerful, grungy bassline that rolls beneath a post-punk anthem. The album comes to a brilliant conclusion with the contemplative ‘Distant World’, a contrasting piece of light, flickering synths and spacious melodies that fade into tribal drums, providing a perfect, lingering close to a masterful record.
‘Being Human’ is a sharp illustration of Killing Kind's growth, showcasing a band that has transformed from a side project into a formidable and vital musical force. Out on October 31st, it's an essential listen for anyone seeking music that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically compelling.
You can pre-save the album now on Spotify and Apple Music, or pre-order your digital download, CD, and vinyl now on Bandcamp. For more, be sure to follow Killing Kind today on Instagram and Facebook.
