If you’re a fan of death metal with a touch of theatrical flair, the latest EP from Murderess, “Time to Kill“, is a release you won’t want to miss. This four-track collection explores a range of moods and themes, with each song offering a unique twist on the genre.

The cover artwork for “Time to Kill”
© Murderess

Dissecting the Tracks

Now, when you say Brazil, you say intense rhythms and groundbreaking death metal. Of course, Murderess is here to make you remember that. The EP opens with the eponymous track, “Murderess“, a brief but impactful instrumental piece. This track serves as a haunting introduction, setting the stage for the dark and intense journey ahead. Transitioning from the instrumental, “Queen of Swords” kicks off with a commanding presence. The track’s blend of aggressive guitar work and authoritative vocals establishes a tone of dominance and empowerment. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of perseverance and judgment, as highlighted in lines like:

“Persevering through the pain
A slow but steady force
Dispel illusions, madness, sorrow
She comes when emotions lead you to fail
Judgment will come for the cruel
It’s the man’s head that will be severed.“

“Für Elize” is a standout track on “Time to Kill”, beginning with a slow, almost haunting introduction that lulls you into a false sense of calm. The delicate opening, marked by restrained guitar melodies, gradually builds tension, drawing you into its dark narrative. But just when you might expect the song to maintain its subdued tone, it suddenly shifts gears, erupting into a full-blown aggressive assault. And as the intensity of the music escalates, so does the emotional weight of the lyrics. The song transforms into a powerful expression of defiance and revenge:

“You thought you could do
All that you want,
But life is a joker.
You never expected me to react—
To kill or be murdered.“

“Bone Keeper” serves as the grand finale of “Time to Kill”, closing the EP on a note that is both eerie and profound. This track is a slow-burner, gradually unraveling layers of atmosphere and emotion that draw the listener into its dark narrative world. The repeated lines: “We all have wept for the rest/ When we felt drained and lorn” add a layer of emotional depth, reflecting the shared human experience of grief and exhaustion. This refrain drives home the idea that, while the Bone Keeper’s task is solitary, the feelings of loss and despair are universal.

Final Thoughts

Recorded, mixed and mastered in Orbis Studio, and released on July 30, 2024, “Time to Kill” is a potent display of death metal’s power and depth. The progression from the chilling “Murderess” to the impactful “Bone Keeper” creates a memorable listening experience. This EP is a significant addition to any metal collection.