Katerina Nicole – Serene in Violent Oceans (Self-Released)

Take it or leave it, there’s been a lot of hybridization within more modern metal in recent years. A number of groups are choosing to embrace a sound that has a metallic base to it, but choose to build it up with a multitude of diverse influences in tow. Vocalist Katerina Nicole is the latest voice in this particular spotlight, and as the EP title Serene in Violent Oceans suggests, brings quite a bit of contrast within her sound. Something that stems from her time in the pop and EDM world and bringing some of that same essence into an overall heavier sound, in both sonic and emotional perspectives.

A swirling and emotive mixture of electronic beats, industrial sounds, and churning metalcore grooves, Katerina Nicole comes out swinging. Opener “Catch My Breath” chugs with cinematic atmosphere to spare, as her vocals hit with emotional intensity as the mood elevates to a crushing groove and a scream. “House of Cards” hits a slightly more catchy mood, with it’s driving riffs and dark yet playful electronics merging together to again create an urgent feeling that Nicole commands on the vocal front to conjure a hypnotic rhythm. “Emotionally” feels a bit more fragile than the opening salvo, hitting a more melancholic and almost desperation to it. Nicole’s vocals truly shine here, augmented by the somber beats that crash into the rumbling guitars in the chorus.

“Darkling” maintains that more fragile feeling but wraps it into a more eerie and haunting feeling that effectively balances sweeping grooves and catchy electronics into an oddly ethereal sound. But it does seem like the best part was saved for last. “What I Know Now” seems to encompass all of the varied moods put forth in the four songs before it and really showcase what Katerina Nicole is all about. The dark riffs, the cinematic atmosphere, the sense of raw urgency, and addictive hooks all meld together into a spectacular closer. Some haunting strings pave the way for a sinister groove and scream later in the track, something that makes the poignant chorus feel that much more serene.

There’s a lot to like about Serene in Violent Oceans. It has a mood and emotional vibe that seems to gel well with what some others (such as Gore.) are experimenting with in the scene, yet offers plenty of unique aspects, such as the ambient electronics and contrasting playful melodies/crushing grooves. At the center of it all is Katerina Nicole’s vocals, which offer a beacon of light in the darkness, enticing the listener to explore further into her sonic landscape. Serene in Violent Oceans has all the makings of a breakout soon to come, particularly for fans of modern metal.