REVIEW: Kingdom Of Giants - Usurper

KINGDOM OF GIANTS has never been a band particularly interested in standing still. Throughout their discography, from Every Wave of Sound to Passenger, they have continually explored new sounds and pushed their metalcore foundations in different directions. With Usurper, out November 13th via SharpTone Records, the band takes that adventurous spirit even further, delivering an album that blends modern metalcore with industrial influences, electronic textures, synths and even unexpected touches of saxophone. The result is a record that feels both familiar and refreshingly different, with a strong identity of its own.

One of the most immediately striking aspects of Usurper is its cinematic atmosphere. It carries itself almost as a heavy soundtrack of an 80s-90s science-fiction film. Its electronic elements create an occasionally eerie, futuristic feeling, while the industrial undertones give the heavier passages an additional layer of grit. Yet, despite all this experimentation, KINGDOM OF GIANTS never loses sight of what makes a good metalcore record: memorable choruses, crushing breakdowns and a convincing balance between clean vocals and aggressive screams.

The opening track, Respawn, makes that clear from the very beginning. Electronic textures establish an almost spooky atmosphere before a huge scream announces the arrival of the heavier side of the band. From there, the song settles into an infectious groove, combining industrial flavoured metalcore and a catchy chorus. It is a slap of an introduction that immediately sets the tone for what follows. Out Of Step takes a slightly more melodic approach, with subtle strings adding depth in the background. Its chorus is another highlight, proving that the band knows how to write hooks without sacrificing the heavier elements of its sound.

Then comes Reign, one of the album's highlights. The electronic flair is pushed further into an almost cyber atmosphere. The track manages to feel both faster and languid at the same time, balancing urgency with a hypnotic groove. Anchored by a strong performance, assured songwriting and polished production, it showcases just how comfortable KINGDOM OF GIANTS have become with their evolving sound. The breakdown is particularly satisfying, but it is the overall composition and its ability to move between different moods that make this such a standout.

The band continues to play with unexpected textures on A Part Of You, featuring GABI ROSE. It takes a more relaxed, almost dreamy direction, with a slower chorus and a surprising saxophone solo that adds a welcome change of setting. The electronic and industrial elements return on Void Of Form with a noticeable 1980s electro influence. The synths give the track a nostalgic yet futuristic quality, while the heavier guitars and powerful breakdowns ensure that things never become too comfortable.

The Edge Of A Dream follows a similar path but brings considerably more weight and speed to the guitars. Its longing, melodic chorus almost feels like a ballad you want to sway to before the band pulls the rug from underneath your feet with some particularly heavy breakdowns. This contrast between vulnerability and aggression is one of the album's greatest strengths.

Slower and more atmospheric, Roll Credits feels exactly like its title suggests: the closing scene of a film, with the scenery passing by through the window of a moving car. There is a melancholic feel to it, and the distant sirens towards the end only reinforce that impression. It is almost surprising that the album continues afterwards, as the track would have made a perfectly fitting closer.

They however make it clear that they’re not done yet with Jaguar which brings some of the record's strongest guttural and fry screams, alongside particularly heavy breakdowns. 10 Cent Martyr shifts the focus back towards soaring melodies and an expansive chorus, while Gods Of Karma embraces distorted electronic sounds and even flirts with screamo in certain moments. The final track, Past Life, completes the journey by bringing back all the elements that make the strength of the record.

What makes Usurper work so well is the way KINGDOM OF GIANTS brings all these different influences together without making the record feel fragmented. The electronics, industrial elements, melodic passages and heavier metalcore foundations all serve the same overall vision. The production also deserves credit, giving every layer enough space while maintaining the impact of the instruments and vocals. This modern, carefully constructed sound makes for highly enjoyable and remarkably catchy tracks that stick with you long after they end. The band proves once again that metalcore does not have to follow a fixed formula. They are building their own playground and it is an exciting place to be in.

Score: 7/10

Usurper will be released on 13th November 2026 via SharpTone Records.

Words: Lysandre Pons

Photos: Andreas Wockinger