Review KADAVAR “Kids Abandoning Destiny Among Vanity and Ruin”

When it comes to Kadavar, two things are certain. Firstly, nothing is certain, and secondly, whatever they come up with results from an impressive creative flow.

It took Kadavar five years to release a new album, “I Just Want to Be a Sound”, which hit the shelves in spring this year. The wait for the next record is substantially shorter, as “Kids Abandoning Destiny Among Vanity and Ruin” is released six months after the previous album. The title “Kids Abandoning Destiny Among Vanity and Ruin” is a kind of wordplay, leading to the acronym “K.A.D.A.V.A.R.”. In a sense, we are facing a self-titled album, and while I wouldn’t say it’s a new start, the latest effort does echo some more familiar sounds compared to the rather melodic and light-hearted predecessor.

Even a first look at the artwork reveals a fragmented image, broken pieces that also echo in the opening track, “Lies”. It’s a pounding start to the album, building on a powerful riff and coming with a hypnotic vibe. The psychedelic element of Kadavar’s sound is at the heart of this song, leading us to “Heartache”. This song has an interesting beginning that reminds me of Kadavar’s recent collaboration with German hip-hop pioneers Fanta 4. However, it’s just the first few seconds of the song that give me this impression, as the tune then takes a turn and morphs into a galloping rocker, with Lindemann’s excellent vocals being a key element.

Great soundscapes meet an electric groove, which also forms the foundation for “Explosions in the Sky”. The latter bridges the band’s earlier days and the present, before an interlude called “The Corner of E 2nd & Robert Martinez”, which includes a countdown, brings us to “Stick It”. Listening to “Stick It”, I was reminded of the progressive rock sound of the 70s, especially in the verse. It is the most melodic song on the album and a light-hearted moment amidst a rather heavy album. These counterparts make “Kids Abandoning Destiny Among Vanity and Ruin” a vibrant album with excellent flow.

The song titles on the album suggest that the subject matter is not confined to happy days in life. “You Me Apocalypse” showcases Lindemann and the band’s talent for creating addictive melodies set against a dystopian context.

“The Children” is the most intense track on the album, with roaring guitars blending fuzz and stoner elements to great results. The atmospheric break in the second half is another nicely integrated twist before the song returns to its basic signature. The title track is a bit more complex and has some extra layers. This is where rock morphs into metal, while retaining a psychedelic element.

Even heavier yet is the start of “Total Annihilation” The song begins with a pure metal sound. “Total Annihilation” is a musical wrecking ball with destructive energy. Although the album is rooted in passionate classic- and doom rock, it is “Total Annihilation” that showcases Kadavar’s fascination and affinity with metal.

In conclusion: “Kids Abandoning Destiny Among Vanity and Ruin” is the mean little brother of “I Just Wanna Be a Sound”. It is a heavy, hard-rocking album, and the colourful elements of the previous album have now turned into a dark, gloomy musical journey that reaches its pinnacle in the explosive finale. With “Kids Abandoning Destiny Among Vanity and Ruin”, Kadavar has added another gem to their discography by broadening their musical approach while still sounding 100% like themselves. One thing is certain: quality remains throughout.