Relative newcomers (forming in 2019), Luna Kills has a sound that’s anything but ordinary. Sitting somewhere in the modern metal tagline, the band seeks to incorporate a wide array of influences, from both within and outside of the metal landscape. Given the time it’s taken to get to their full-length debut, they have utilized that time to get a solid grasp on what they want to do with their unique approach, and it shows throughout Deathmatch. The variety might not make it for everybody, but those who dig something that actively tries something fresh are going to have a blast with Luna Kills.
Nu metal, metalcore, alternative metal, EDM, video game music influences, rock, pop, the list goes on as you move your way through Deathmatch. Some of the unifying factors you’ll encounter are some big, heavy grooves and some equally big pop-driven choruses. The hooks that Luna Kills strives for is probably their strongest asset, as the songs have a easy time embedding themselves in your brain after a single listen. Case in point here would be “slay your enemies,” which opens with a very hook-y electropop delivery, before jumping right into thick grooves and vicious screams from Lotta Ruutiainen. Bouncy electronics weave into the track as the vocals slither around them and the bordering-on-industrial fuzz with a fun, energetic appeal. Opener “love u” feels like a future live staple with it’s tailor-made sound for jumping/fist pumping and it’s soaring chorus that blends singing and screaming in a very catchy way. It really sets the tone for the whole album to come.
Some songs have more of an almost video game feel to the electronics. “get mad” melds the potent grooves with an almost Doom-esque electronic atmosphere while keeping the song upbeat with playful vocal lines and pulsating EDM moments. “sugar rush” starts with an almost kawaii vibe to it with the blend of electronics and catchy vocal lines that eschew from the usual groove barrage. On the heavier end of this, “hallucinate” digs into the guitars to provide one of the most headbangable tracks on the album, while closer “burn the world with me” brings in both hooks and some of the darkest atmosphere in a fitting finale that leans into an almost electro-goth aesthetic with moments of punishing breakdown riffage to really bring the point home.
Deathmatch shows that Luna Kills are more than adept at being able mix in different elements and still create a seamless product that’s full of energy. Really, the number one factor is fun. Each track is a joy to hear how the elements come together to create something that sticks in your head and makes you want to listen to the whole album over and over. Given the way they integrate different components, they are bound to grab a larger audience if word of mouth gets around.