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Six solo albums into a career that also includes numerous collaborations, her work as a member of Red Sparowes, Marriages and more, Emma Ruth Rundle has amassed one of the most impressive back catalogues of any current musician.
These Killing Times is another beguiling set of songs that run the gamut from dark to delicate, crushing to sombre, and feel far more dynamic than the raw minimalism of 2021’s Engine Of Hell. This may partially be due to the subject matter, with Emma looking more broadly at the current state of the world, rather than reflecting on her own personal journey.
Opener Powerless muses on her fears and disdain of those who govern us and is gorgeously melodic, but the deep, distorted guitars that underpin Emma’s voice are pure post-metal nirvana. It’s a strong start, but the bar is quickly raised with the sublime God’s Picture. Her woozy, breathy vocals crack with emotion and, perfectly paired in tandem with Patrick Shiroishi’s deep, sighing sax, are reminiscent of Little Earthquakes-era Tori Amos. It’s quite brilliant.
It’s then followed by the gothic leanings of Anvil, which very much sounds like Chelsea Wolfe during her more acoustic Birth Of Violence period, and the 90s grunge stylings of the wonderful Catherine Wheel. The album really reaches its apex, though, with the eight-minute-plus Human Kindness. A song that pulls you into a swirling pit of gruelling, psychedelic riffs and soaring, sun-kissed melodies, its transitions are a form of musical magic that only the likes of Alice in Chains at their best can usually pull off, but this is worthy of the comparison.
These Killing Times is a brilliantly paced album, full of dynamically interesting turns of tempo and changes in feel, with Emma’s voice the greatest weapon, always lilting and soaring in the most unexpected ways. Another masterpiece from one of modern music’s most essential voices.
These Killing Times is out now via Errant Child. Emma Ruth Rundle tours the UK from April 5 2027.
