Kill Ritual “Karma Machine”

 

     California metal band Kill Ritual is back on the attack with their third album “Karma Machine” on Scarlet Records.  The band has gone through some lineup changes including some made after the release of the album. This is the first with new vocalist David Reed Watson.  The heart and soul of the band is creative force and guitarist Steven Rice who is credited with not only guitars but goat udder and even the kitchen sink on the new record.

     The band is an interesting mix of classic thrash and traditional heavy metal with a little bit of prog metal thrown in for good measure.  With Rice and King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque producing, “Karma Machine” has a sleek and modern feel to it which helps accentuate the vocals of newcomer Watson.  Watson is more of a pure singer than screamer and that helps the band pull off some more melodic tracks this time around.  “Rise” will be a sure crowd pleaser with a huge, shout out chorus and “The Key” slows things to an almost ballad pace before picking back up again.  The title track is a blistering metal piece with a cool concept ending with carnival sounds and the voice of a barker asking those who dare to step right up and try their luck on the karma machine.  The skillful fingers of Steven Rice are front and center on the instrumental “My Green Room” and “Kundalini” where he really lights things up and lets it fly.

     “Karma Machine” is a solid release for Kill Ritual with nine outstanding tracks.  With a great chemistry already  between Rice and Watson, the future of the band looks even better.  Step on up and give “Karma Machine” a listen today!