VARKAN Deliver A Theatrical And Thrashing Punch With New EP "Cradle To Grave"

"Cradle To Grave" is out now [photo: Varkan]

Blending NWOBHM grit with thrash intensity, Phoenix metallers VARKAN have released their latest EP "Cradle To Grave". The five track EP has been released independently via the band's own label, and was mixed and mastered by Alex Parra (who's credits include Arch Enemy and Volbeat).

EP opener "Haunting Visions" kicks things off with an upbeat drum fill, before harmonising guitars play the lead melody, reminiscent of classic traditional metal bands. The rhythm is frantic, the drums channeling thrash energy , and the vocals have a theatrical edge to them, ebbing and flowing with each new section.

"What Do You Care?" carries on the intensity, the band further channeling their NWOBHM influences. Vocally, there is angst and power, and the guitar solo is a great display of skill and melody. The chorus here is particularly catchy as well, with backing vocals designed for crowd anticipation.

[photo: Varkan]

There is a lot on the EP that feels like an homage - dashes of early Metallica, hints of 80s Iron Maiden, especially in the solos and lead guitar work - yet it still feels fresh. This is present especially in the title track, "Cradle To Grave", the dual guitars often complimenting and harmonising with each other, emphasising the the theatrical nature of it all whilst still blending with the vocals to produce a bold, layered sound.

Music video for "Cradle To Grave" [cred. Varkan]

Instrumentally, "Butcher" wouldn't feel out of place on "Kill 'Em All" or "Tornado of Souls", frantic lead guitar work and hard hitting, thrash drums working together effectively. Here, vocalist Alec Damiano has put her anger and raw emotion on show, resulting in probably the angriest, 'darkest' track on the EP. There are still great crowd singalong moments though, keeping the relentless, 'mosh-able' energy going.

Closing track "Fire and Blood" is the longest track on the EP, clocking it at just over six minutes, but it uses its runtime well. The track starts with a building sequence, guitars layering over a marching drum beat. I always feel a bit shortchanged when an album or EP closer isn't a big, grand 'finale' type track, so I'm pleased to say that Varkan have delivered exactly that - it feels like a closer.

It's an appropriate finishing track, serving as a reminder of what the band does best - hard hitting riffs, melodic lead work, packing a powerful, theatrical punch. It makes you want to wear a long, flowing cape and twirl it around, looking all majestic...

...Or maybe that's just me.

"Cradle To Grave" is out NOW on streaming platforms