By Matt Haynes
(Image: Tom Damsell)
KILL THE LIGHTS (L-R): Jay, Moose, James, Jeremy
2026 seems to be the year of 'hey folks, its been a while...here's something new and exciting that's a big step up from what we did last' when it comes to musical releases. Whether this be bands who have been in the eyes of fans for decades, or bands who are continuing to grow in recent years, everyone is dropping something that is heavy and gripping within the current market.
Kill The Lights , who have been building not only their catalogue but their fanbase since 2019, are no exception to this as they kick off their year with the brutal 'Iron Bite' - a follow-up to their 2025 release 'Nothing Left'.
This track is one that comes at you guns blazing and firing on all cylinders. From the minute we hear Moose hitting those drums, we know we're in for a heavy ride as the band unleash harsh vocals, machine gun drumming and thrashing riffs into our ears. Switching between the harsh styles and melodical tones of vocalist James and backing Jay, this is a true metalcore anthem that delves into elements of nostalgia and modern influences. Of course, we can't ignore the twiddling and lightning fast riffs of new guitarist Jeremy who proves to be a perfect fit to the band's established energy - matching them with oomph at every turn throughout the 3 and half minute offering.
The band have often showcased this ability in earlier releases, whilst 'Iron Bite' shows this off in a more polished and refined light. Having seen the band perform live twice, they were always tight as a unit when slamming the tracks out one by one. But for me, something about 'Iron Bite' highlights an even stronger sense of unity and passion for the craft that the quartet are creating. The energy is flawless from start to finish, and you can tell that there is an immense sense of pride throughout the song (whether that be just listening to it or watching the accompanying music video) that emanates from the members as they hit note after note with ferocity and power.
The shift in the cleaner, 'quieter' break may act as a simple breather for the song and again highlight their ability to flawlessly switch between in-your-face heavy and 'let's take a moment to chill' melodic, but don't let this trick you into thinking things are going to end lightly on the track. Rather, it is a brief intermission before we're met with one final burst of heavy and somewhat brutal energy that will leave the track ringing in your ear long after the final notes have been played.
Having finished the first leg of their 2026 appearances and plenty more to come, Kill The Lights have kicked their 2026 off with an incredible level of passion and energy with 'Iron Bite' showing they have plenty of motivation in the bank. If this is a signal of what's to come in future singles or perhaps even a follow-up album to 2024's 'Death Melodies', then we know we're in for something that is filled with plenty of punch and chaos.
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