Nu-metal has made a sort of comeback in recent years, whether by finding a new home within the genre of nu-metalcore or bands such as Tallah carrying the torch for the bygone genre. Step forward Sicksense, who move in to give their modern take on on a genre that has yet to fully find its feet in this decade (outside of nostalgia acts such as Korn making a return). Comprised of dual vocalists Killer V (Vicky Psarakis of The Agonist) and Rob The Ripper (Robby J. Fonts of Stuck Mojo), Sicksense look to offer up a blend of vocal melodies and pouncing raps.
There is an almost instant nostalgia to the EP from the get-go, with its glistening keys and Psarakis’ vocalists invoking the sort of throwback nostalgia that In This Moments’ Maria Brink invokes to traditional metal. There is a groove to opening track “Kings Today” with the bouncing base on Robby’s bars, and the soaring cleans on Killer V’s choruses are backed by swirling guitars. While there is little that pushes the boundaries of the genre, each role played throughout the EP is filled capably, with little to fault in terms of performance.
The range of vocal performance on the EP in commendable, with Psarakis pulling out some impressive screams and ear-pleasing cleans throughout the record. It’s during these moments the record feels at the strongest and most enjoyable, though the rap style verses often lack variation across the EP in terms of rhythm or style. This is a trend that becomes common throughout, with each track having the same formula of rap verses followed by clean vocals. Whilst there are tracks such as “Soul Snatcher” which begin to diverge, it is difficult to not notice it when on a full listen of the record.
It’s during moments such as track “Make Believe” where Sicksense show their most room for improvement, and possibly why nu-metal has departed from the forefront of the metal genre. There’s a Mum I don’t want to wash the dishes energy to some of the lyrical content, with the aforementioned tracks offering up:
Did anyone tell you
Rules are make believe?
(You are anything you want to be)
Did anyone tell you Life ain’t always fair?
(Ever think that, no one has to…)
It feels harsh to take point at lyrical content that punches upward rather than indulging in emotional pornography. Bands such as Cage Fight and Dying Wish have set a certain standard in how to to address political and social issues without a dismissive teenage-esque angst. Throughout Kings Today, Sicksense give you an urge to like them. Despite its evident flaws and rough edges, there is plenty to latch onto, whether it’s the commendable vocal performance from Psarakis or the less-than-perfect lyrical content taking aim at those laying waste to society. Whilst their debut EP might be a mixed bag, it might be worth keeping an eye out to see where Sicksense go next.
5.5/10