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Jason Hesley

The long-awaited second album by Japan's premier extreme metal/hardcore band, IN FOR THE KILL, has arrived!


The album's sound—a brutal fusion of metallic and heavy guitar riffs, aggressive vocals, and intense rhythms—showcases the band's evolving musical prowess.


Less than seven years after captivating the Japanese metal/hardcore scene with their debut, IN FOR THE KILL has returned with a new album that's even more aggressive and technically refined. Having toured extensively, including their European debut, the band's worldwide presence has grown significantly. The songs on the new album are breathless and thrilling, demonstrating their sharpened technique and dynamic sound.

Formed in 2013 by founding members Ina (vocals, formerly of METAL SAFARI) and Tomo (bass, also formerly of METAL SAFARI), the lineup was later completed by the addition of guitarist RYO-SUKE (formerly of DEATH FILE, SURVIVE, and BATCAVE) and drummer Toru. This lineup has solidified the band's reputation in the local scene with their powerful performances and diverse musical styles.


Their significant impact was highlighted by their standout performances at "Japanese Assault Fest 15," where they shared the stage with bands like ENFORCER, SUICIDAL ANGELS, and SOLITUDE. The overwhelming response from fans earned them a spot at "Japanese Assault Fest 16."


Signed by Spiritual Beast, their debut album "In for the Kill" was first released in Asia in October 2017, featuring cover artwork by Ukrainian designer Nurgeslag, known for his work with bands such as ROTTING CHRIST and BALFOR.


Following the success of their debut, IN FOR THE KILL performed at "Japanese Assault Fest 17" alongside THE RODS (US), CHRONOSPHERE (Greece), and F.K.Ü. (Sweden). The following year saw them sharing stages with bands like FLOTSAM AND JETSAM (US), VIOLATOR (Brazil), MAKE THEM SUFFER (Australia), and CRYSTAL LAKE (Japan).


In October 2019, "In for the Kill" was re-released in Europe by Reaper Entertainment Europe under license from Spiritual Beast. After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the band returned with a demo for "Raging Sound" in December 2022 and quickly resumed recording. Their second album, "Branded To Kill," was completed in 2023 after their debut live metal event in Korea, "Hellride." Self-produced and recorded by Masashi "MARCY" Shimada of kamomekamome, the album's cover artwork was crafted by Marcos Cabrera of CRISIX, who has also worked with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE among others.

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