IKILLYA „Recon”

Music: Thrash/Death Metal


Website: http://www.ikillya.com
Country: United States
Duration: 36:36
Reviewer's Picks: E.H.R, Bombs Away, …And Hell Followed With Him

Whenever I pick up a CD by a band that I've only seen live, I'm always a little apprehensive. There's always the question of whether or not the band's energy comes from their songs or just their performance. Even when a band's songs are outstanding, they're at risk of falling victim to bad mixing and/or production. IKILLYA, an unsigned band from New York City, manages to avoid all such pitfalls in their debut release, Recon (2011).

First off, Jason Lekberg is an outstanding vocalist. In the song “E.H.R.,” he shouts “Screaming is just breathing to me,” a statement made obvious by the entire album. “Escape Plan” in particular, though not even close to my favorite song on the album, is bolstered by excellent vocal work. I can't help but appreciate that Lekberg makes even the most guttural growls and intense screams sound effortless.

Of course, the other musicians deserve their honorable mention too. “…And Hell Followed With Him” and “Razorblades” have appropriately foreboding melodies, almost like the boss of a post-apocalyptic video game. The drumming is consistent without getting boring, and you'd never know that two drummers recorded the album because both are equally talented. While the talents of Dave Kerr (guitarist) are quite evident, the album doesn't really give him much of a chance to shine. Extreme vocals and rhythms drive Recon, which isn't necessarily bad, but I only got tiny glimpses here and there of what Kerr can really do.

When I got to the end of the album, I felt a great sense of satisfaction. From beginning to end, the album was solid as a rock. I'm hesitant even to mention the intro and outro, both of which detract from the overall amazingness of the album (the outro is exceptionally bizarre and unnecessary), but how else would I justify the album's less-than-perfect rating?

note: 9/10

Tracklist

At My Signal
…And Hell Followed With Him
E.H.R.
Razorblades
Godsize
Lifesblood
Bombs Away
Escape Plan
Jet Fuel Genetic
Echoes In Eternity

Line-up

Jason Lekberg – Vocals
Mansa Gory – Bass
Dave Kerr – Guitar
7 – Drums on tracks 2 & 5
Jeff Gretz – Drums on tracks 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, & 9
Matt Zebroski – Live drums (not featured on album)