Written by Jennifer Moglia
Chicago hardcore band Kharma has finally put out new music, in the form of an EP titled “Most Dangerous Game.” Debuting on Friday, November 20th, this is the band’s first release since 2018’s “Moment of Violence.”
The first track, “Forced out of Heaven”, begins with a quote from the 2006 film “The Departed”, spoken by Jack Nicholson’s character Frank Costello; “I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.” These two sentences serve as a running theme throughout the EP, as Kharma continues to make a name for themselves in Chicago and beyond.
“Forced out of Heaven” is an intense, all-consuming opener, and things certainly don’t slow down on “Most Dangerous Game.” Released as a single prior to the full EP coming out, the percussion stands out especially on this track, layered with piercing vocals and steady guitar riffs that move the song along.
Next up is “Jester”, which is probably my favorite song on this record. Themes of police brutality, racism, and classism are present throughout the release, but are highlighted most heavily in the lyrical content on this track, and done so masterfully.
Track three, “Guilty by Associaton”, also released previously before the EP was out, is a two-and-a-half-minute anthem of sorts, making its presence known immediately with memorable guitar riffs striking the lister on impact. This song has already translated well to a live setting, so I have no doubt that it’ll become a crowd favorite once it is safe to have shows again.
The EP closes with “Slave 2 Society” another one of the stronger tracks that underscores the harsh realities of systematic racism in the United States and around the world today. At the end of the song, the music fades out and into a sample of “Sweet Home Chicago” by The Blues Brothers before becoming distorted, displaying that darker side of the city; this addition reminded me of Delaware hardcore band No Option’s “World Ender” off of “Murdertown U.S.A.”, and I think that both songs executed it beautifully.
Kharma has always been a band whose lyrical brutality is matched with just as much ferocity sonically, and “Most Dangerous Game” is no exception. If you’re not already listening to this band, this EP is a great place to start if you’re looking for an introduction to their music.
“Most Dangerous Game” is available to stream wherever you listen to music, and you can support Kharma by following them on Twitter @KharmaWHC and picking up a copy of this record on vinyl. If you’ve listened to the EP, let us know what you think by tweeting us @lgndsoftmrw!
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