There is a long tradition of formidable duos in heavy music, and whilst many of them – SunnO))), Godflesh, and Bell Witch among them – have darkened our doors over the years, 2027 is the year that Kulk come thundering through. This pair from Norwich in the UK take a doomy, cacophonous approach to exploring the human condition. Their latest album, Choosing To Die, is as cheerful as you might expect from the title. What they lack in positivity, they more than make up for in excoriating urgency.
With four albums released over the past six years, Thom (guitar) and Jade (drums) have places to be, and they’re not planning on easing up any time soon. Where there are moments of (relative) levity in their sound – such as on The Saddest Holiday – it only serves to make the heavier, bleaker moments feel all the more crushing. Clocking in comfortably under the half hour mark, Kulk deliver their missives and get the hell out, leaving a bewildering silence in their wake.
“For us, it has always been a dream to play Roadburn,” say Kulk. “ Everyone we’ve ever been inspired by has made an appearance at least once, and to feel a part of that is extremely validating. It reminds us to never compromise and to be confident in our vision as artists.”
If we were betting folk, we’d wager that this won’t be the last you’ll hear from Kulk. Their first foray to The Netherlands will surely be the start of this duo conquering the mainland.