It’s been three years since the release of Kruger’s ‘For Death, Glory and the End of the World’, however, the band have been putting that time to good use in order to “raise the kids, earn real money, find a reliable second guitar guy and write new music”. The break has done the post-sludge metallers some good, as they have hit back with 2 track EP ‘333’ and are sounding fresher than ever.

Opening song ‘The Wild Brunch’ is instantly heavy, however, what is noticeable almost straight away is the revamp of melody into the band’s sound. Kruger have made good use of intricate tempo changes and shifts in vocal delivery in order to create something both weighty and interesting to listen to.

Second track ‘Herbivores’ is really the linchpin of this EP, however, starting with the line “Look at all these hipsters, eating from the trees” it is a tongue in cheek mockery of modern culture that will win the hearts of metal heads everywhere. There are moments when this song melts into pure chaos, but it is saved by impressive rhythmic percussion and a heavily distorted bass.

Hopefully, this EP is a taste of what’s to come in the future from Kruger, as impressive as this release is, two songs is just not enough!

7/10

Angela Davey

Kruger – Facebook