King Kraken’s heavy grooves from the depths: Live show at The Dev, London

If you haven’t come across King Kraken yet, let me fill you in on what they’re all about and why you should check them out!

Coming straight out of South Wales, this five-piece band kicks things off with a vibrant mix of classic metal vibes and some seriously powerful riffs. When it comes to celebrating the legends of the genre, King Kraken really nails it with their unique sound. You’ve got powerful guitars, impressive vocals, and a rhythm section that just brings everything to life.

The Dev was known for showcasing a variety of metal acts, and its cozy setting really amplified the raw intensity of the performances. It’s a fantastic place for everyone to come together and either support or discover this band, with a special shoutout to Fallen Relic!

A huge thanks to Dave from The Noise Cartel to having us.

Fallen Relic

If you sought an extraordinary metal night, this was the one. King Kraken not only showcased their meticulously crafted sound in Camden, but they also transported us to the early 2000s, evoking the influences of Jane’s Addiction, early Lamb of God, and Black Label Society alongside Fallen Relic. Formed in 2018, this groove-infused rock/metal band hails from Southend-on-Sea, England, and is sure to deliver an unforgettable performance in-house. We witnessed their performance kick off the evening, and their musical influences are truly impressive. The dress code felt like a nostalgic echo from those years, as if the band was ensnared in a time loop, eager to pull us along for the ride.

Richie Symons electrifies the stage with his guitar prowess, while Matt Scott captivates the audience with his dynamic vocal presence. Mark Shurety on drums and Dave Smith-Vicary on bass lay down a powerful foundation that elevates the entire performance.

The band’s repertoire captivated the audience from start to finish, featuring beloved hits while showcasing their evolving sound. The enthusiastic response from the audience underscored Falling Relic‘s rising prominence in the UK’s underground metal scene.

Photo: Peterson Marti

King Kraken

Just like the album, “Scream” serves as the opening track of the Kraken’s night. The song builds to a raging crescendo as the drummer expertly explores and unleashes various drum fills. Next up for the band is “El Giganto”, a monster universe with a smashing song that gradually makes way for the album’s most lauded track—or at least the one I think it is—“Berserker”. This one transports us to a period when warriors battled fiercely and partied like Lemmy at his peak.

We continue with additional tracks from this new album, and lead vocalist Mark Donoghue delivers vocals that are gritty, powerful, and full with conviction. The current and vintage riffs and harmonics unleashed by guitarists Adam Healey and Pete Rose harmonise flawlessly with the vicious rhythm laid down by Rich Mears on percussion and bassist Karl Meyer, laying the groundwork for the mayhem.

We also discovered a slower tune as the performance progressed; “Hero” begins with an unconventional approach, with a bluesy guitar riff and effects that are almost psychedelic or rotary, releasing a highly charged emotional piece. With his warm and passionate vocal delivery, Donoghue sings the touching lyrics, which centre on family and father-son memories. Invoking sentiments and memories of the author’s father, the song is both lovely and moving.

Everyone in the band agreed that it was a treat to perform every song on the “March of the Gods” album—including “Some of the classics”—as it was mentioned during our interview. This new album serves as a fitting sequel to “MCLXXX”, masterfully delivering the intense heavy assault that each song demands.

King Kraken deserves a lot of credit for all their hard work, and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them.

Photos: Peterson Marti