A new arrival on the metal scene in 2023, Bath based metalcore act HollowKin’s have a sound that doesn’t pull any punches, and their current track ‘Leech’ finds them applying a very aggressive sound to an interesting, complex arrangement which pushes their chosen genre forward.

From the moment the number opens with a synth drone and a guitar riff that hints at a cross between nu metal and classic thrash, ‘Leech’ has a sense of impending brutality. Any feeling of unease is not misplaced since, at the moment, the heaviness kicks in, the band don’t sell the listener short in terms of pure aggression.

Via a burst of metalcore pneumatics, the band arrives at a heavy as hell riff where bits of thrash meet with swathes of metalcore, but on this number, HollowKin aren’t content with being lumped in with a world of similar acts. For the chorus, they bring an unexpected burst of melody where a soaring vocal is joined by a much smoother riff which draws elements of prog metal and the post-metal sound of the much missed Awooga, and this heavy, melodic approach really allows the listener an opportunity to be absorbed by a huge sound. Switching back to the heavier grooves, a few of the vocals adopt a relentless hardcore edge and the drums power against the guitars with a real intent. Overall, this is a smart slab of metal that shows off really tight musicianship. It’s a little more accessible than HollowKin’s earlier offering ‘In Heresy’, but fans certainly won’t be disappointed, as the complex arrangement still doesn’t offer much of a concession to a commercial sound. In short, this is brilliant, and a track that deserves being played loudly.

HollowKin’s debut EP ‘Confessions & Failures’ is scheduled for release on 15th November. In the meantime, check out the new video below.