Side projects often take on a life of their own and can become the main project. What started off as a solo project away from main Thrash/Punk band Overload, Steve Gungle has turned Contract Killer into the main act, leaving Overload in February 2020. After recruiting Overload drummer Jaime, along with Arnas (of The Chain of Panic) and Lex, who split bass and vocal duties the line-up was complete. In just two days at Nuneaton, England’s Zoo Studios, Carl Harris (Varukers Damned And Defiant) and the band, recorded, engineered and mixed the debut E.P. Fat Cat.
“Throwaway Culture” opens with aggressive playing and a speed metal wail. Attention is instantly grabbed. The Crust Punk with more Metal sound digs in and does not relent. The growl Lex delivers throughout the rest of the vocals is accompanied by a classic Punk chord progression at Thrash speeds. The heavier “Cult Of Christ” follows with Arnas on vocals. The sludgier playing and heavy bass are almost an entirely different realm all together. “She Screams” is an all out Thrash attack. Speed, aggressive barking vocals (from Lex), and head banging rhythm collide. “Fat Cat” brings more of the modern thrash sound. Lyrically, it delivers the common Punk theme of anti-capitalism and the abuses of the billionaire elite. “Periferia” brings back a bit of the sludge, but with that same thrash edge. The modern Hardcore Punk influence makes itself known. To close the E.P., “Stealth Genocide” builds slow, but hits hard just under a minute in and stays that way. The brutal and blistering music is paired with the gruff vocals of Arnas in a punk and metal explosion.
The differences in vocal styles is very prevalent. Arnas has more of a sludgier delivery, whereas Lex delivers more of a growl. The dual vocalists aspect is greatly welcomed. The different styles keep things interesting. Contract Killer follows the same mold as the early crossover bands(blending punk and metal), but with a heavier and more aggressive sound. Contract Killer is one among the now developing bands with this heavier take on the metal punk blend that needs to be watched. Great things are to follow. Fat Cat releases soon via Bandcamp. With enough interest, CDs and potentially vinyl are sure to follow.