Emerging Artist Reviews

Album Review: KYNETIC Releases Self-Titled Debut

by The Metalverse

Updated February 03, 2026

Album Review: KYNETIC Releases Self-Titled Debut

Founded in Bulgaria by guitarist/composer Alexander Angelov, rock/metal band Kynetic has just released their debut self-titled album. Originally starting as a personal project, Kynetic has since evolved into a full band, made up of Alexander Angelov (guitar), Iv Raed (bass), Mariyan Mitev (drums), Alexander Murtev (vocals), and Georgi Kirchev (guitar).

The 9-track release begins with "Faith", introducing itself with slamming drums, chunky guitar chugging, and classic rock electric guitar leads. Whispered vocals soon make way for full clarity vocals that remind me a little of a mix between Alice In Chains and Metallica. Kynetic quickly reveals a polished, modern sound that shows clear inspiration from 80s and 90s rock/metal music. High-energy belted vocals and grooving instrumentals lead to a sound that is equally catchy and hard-hitting.

"Darkest Kiss" starts with a more modern metal sound as crushing double bass and chugging work together to create brutal instrumentals before introducing singing vocals that swap between low and high octaves to create a varied sound. Vocals alternate between bright singing and dark screams, blending the catchiness of hard rock and the power of more traditional metal music. The song bursts into a soaring guitar solo that eventually leads into a final dynamic chorus to end the track.

"End Of Hope" starts with screeching guitar and impactful, building drums as thumping bass lines add a sense of low end. Kynetic slows things down as distant lofi vocals build into full clarity and intentionally empty soundscapes to create a sense of space as instruments are gradually added, before leading into the chorus. Kynetic showcases some thrash and theatrical metal influences as soaring vocal melodies and harmonies create a grandiose overall sound that reminded me a little of power metal. The song's bridge introduces clean guitar as slamming drums join the fray alongside visceral guitar leads before a final.

"Life's a Bargain" brings modern metal influences to the forefront as galloping drums, drop-tuned guitars, and fast leads soon form a thrashing tempo. Slightly raspy vocals build into a climbing chorus melody. Unexpectedly, the band changes tempos after the chorus, leading into a particularly chunky section that sets the groove for the following faster sections. At just over 6 minutes, "Life's a Bargain: is the longest track of the album and introduces varying tempos and dynamics alongside technical guitar solos and an atmospheric bridge before a final chorus.

"High on Above" features one of my favorite riffs of the album so far, as jazz-influenced, almost progressive hard rock leads create a new sound for the album so far. Softer vocals match the prog sound of the instrumentals as metal drums keep the impact of earlier tracks. Eventually more traditional distorted guitar is introduced, balancing contrast between the clean and heavy tones. I enjoyed the change in dynamics for this track, keeping a sense of freshness halfway through the album.

Next is "Absolute Reject" which picks the pace back up as groove metal riffs and drum patterns introduce a more intense sound than the previous track. Descending vocal melodies and chunky guitar create a dark sound that reminds me of metalcore acts like Avenged Sevenfold. An ambient guitar bridge soon leads into heavily distorted guitar shreddage as echoing leads create a memorable exit to the track.

"Race To Salvation" starts with a slower tempo that reminds me of genres like doom and sludge metal. Slowed, chunky, guitar chugs create a drop-tuned, crushing sound as singing vocals cut through the top of the mix. If the last song was akin to Avenged Sevenfold, this is more reminiscent of Black Sabbath. Kynetic soon bursts into speeding thrash riffage, adding a more modern feel to the track before introducing even more sludgy guitar tones and bright guitar leads.

Track 8, "Devoid Of Inhibitions" starts with speeding guitar riffage before cutting away into chugging, distant, energetic guitar strums and fierce singing vocals. The song's verse features a consistent instrumental groove that builds into faster and more intense pacing in the song's chorus with screaming and more energetic drums. An atmospheric bridge features stand-alone drums before gentle guitar leads are soon met by distorted chords.

The final song, "Fake World War" starts with dramatic electric guitar before introducing slamming drum build-ups and 80s-esque guitar leads. The slower tempo and dramatic overall sound soon pick up as pinch harmonics make way for emphasised guitar leads. As the song moves forward, soon thrash drums, harsher vocals, and much faster pacing is introduced as energy increases in intensity.

Overall, Kynetic creates a distinct sound that blends influences from hard rock, metalcore, thrash, and power metal, while my favorite track of the whole album, "High on Above" introduces progressive and jazz influences. You can stream Kynetic's self-titled debut album, available on all platforms now.