Emerging Artist Reviews

EP Review: Bloodkill "Systemic Disruption"

by The Metalverse

Updated May 18, 2026

Bloodkill release new ep "Systemic Disruption"

Forming out of Mumbai, India in 2016, Bloodkill is steered by founding members Vishwas Shetty and Yash Wadkar. Following the band's 2021 album "Throne of Control," the band is back with their newest EP "Systemic Disruption," which explores themes of humanity falling victim to the ever-changing digital landscape where social media, adult content, the lack of data privacy, and the growing use of AI have become normal.

The EP comes to life with the self-titled track "Systemic Disruption." The song begins with a beeping radio frequency noise as lofi instrumentals can be heard in the distance. Suddenly, the band bursts into full intensity and clarity as raw screams, slamming thrash riffage, and booming drum grooves fill the mix. Quickly, Bloodkill builds a sound that reminds me of classic thrash acts like Slayer and Exodus while having a modern heavy metal touch. At just over 3 minutes, the title track keeps a high pace and sense of energy throughout its runtime.

Next up is "Digital Spell", which starts with a slamming drum fill and a riff that lightly reminded me of "Raining Blood" before bursting into full band destruction. Vocals in the second track feel more shrill and visceral, taking on a more unpolished but heavy sound as drop-tuned guitar riffage and explosive drum and bass grooves build up the song. "Digital Spell" creates a great chorus where high guitar leads create a sense of melody behind the fierce screaming. Unexpectedly, Bloodkill throws the listener into the midst of a death metal breakdown as slowed chugging, low growls, double bass drumming, and intentional guitar dissonance form together to create an explosive sound that is faded out with a soaring guitar solo.

"Temptress" continues the thrash atmosphere, kicking in quickly with a blast beat before introducing a dissonant guitar riff, which felt eccentric, almost reminding me of Primus briefly before turning into a more traditional death thrash sound. At just under 3 minutes, "Temptress" offers a good variety of pacing and tempo changes that keep the song feeling dynamic and interesting throughout before a layered solo and breakdown lead into a final speeding riff.

Final track, "The Hidden Hands" bursts into action with screeching guitar pinch harmonics, slamming drum grooves, and screaming vocals. The racing tempo and galloping riffs further thrash influences while brutal guitarwork reminds of death metal and extreme metal genres. "The Hidden Hands" is the longest track of the album, at just under 4 minutes, and it keeps roughly the same pacing through the track before introducing a bridge with a guitar solo and a more atmospheric instrumental vibe.

Overall, Bloodkill showcases a blend of thrash and death metal with a raw production and visceral sound. You can stream the band's latest EP, "Systemic Disruption," available on Bandcamp now!