When the words conveyed in a song come to life in your mind as you listen it’s beyond a treat. Suddenly your mind goes into a different state and you get lost in it all. That’s what happens when you listen to These Killing Times, the new album from Emma Ruth Rundle.

The sheer poetic nature of the songs found on These Killing Times is drenched in dark yet beautiful imagery. The vocal delivery by Emma is cinematic and enchanting. Having this be a full band album too, makes everything more heightened. There’s a soundscape element across the entire album that engulfs you like ocean waves. Don’t let that fool you though as the sheen on top of the dark only goes to the depths of apocalyptic despair.

Each song tackles its own theme and through the melodies and arrangements, it’s all unlocked and unhinged. The confrontation can feel subtle and unsettling at the same time. While the release, though cathartic, really makes you feel and think about each aspect of the song. There’s not one thing on this album that doesn’t deliver what’s it’s meant to. Even with guest appearances from Gina Gleason (Baroness), George Clarke (Deafheaven), Bryan Funck (Thou) and Marissa Nadler, they are accents to further experience the idea of the whole. To go track by track or even highlight a few songs would be a disservice to your own reaction and feeling to this album.

Albums and art like this exist in a place that is honest and pure. This is exactly Emma Ruth Rundle in this moment come to life. The folk and post punk elements hit the right notes while the atmosphere and sonic dynamics push you into another realm. These Killing Times is a great representation of the world we live in today. Emma just makes you feel less alone in it.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Emma Ruth Rundle- These Killing Times:

https://emmaruthrundle.bandcamp.com/album/these-killing-times