EP Review: Alkira - The Pulse (2019)

After their succesful 2016 LP "Klotho", Adelaide-based Groove and Thrash Metal band Alkira got busy promoting their music in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. In November 2019 the South Australian quartet came back with their newest selfreleased EP "The Pulse". The five-track release can be purchased on their Bandcamp profile as MP3, FLAC or CD.

Alkira play brachial, broad-shouldered and rapid Thrash Metal influenced by Groove Metal and a small dose of Black Metal. While drummer Ryan Quarrington is thrashing, galopping and stomping forward bass player Tyson Mahoney, guitarists Joel Parkinson and Gregory Challis create a massive sound on that speedy foundation. Sonorous and distorted riffs cover a huge sound spectrum of heavy music which almost reminds of Sludge. Gregorys strained vocals add to the powerful atmosphere of this dynamic work.

With five tracks each between 04:20 and 05:50 minutes "The Pulse" is pretty long for an EP. Although, I would not call it a mini-album since "The Pulse" is lacking some coherence. It rather appears to be a collection of five songs that emerged during the recent years of touring. By promoting their musical progress on this selfrelease Alkira whet Thrash Metal lovers' appetite for future tours and probably a new LP.

Alkira's "The Pulse" is a thrashing, powerful and intense EP. Most likely I'd recommend it for the road, workouts or a glass of viscous liquor. With their groovy, slightly blackened and Heavy Thrash Metal are likely to give you stiff neck muscles. Hence, I'm raising my glass and looking forward to future Alkira releases.
If you happen to be in Australia, here are some concert dates:
08 Feb 2020: Churches of Steel Festival @Westside Massive, Adelaide
07 Mar 2020: We Got You (Bushfire Charity Metal Show) @Westside Massive, Adelaide
04 Apr 2020: Metal United Down Under @Stay Gold, Melbourne

Alkira Online:
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