With all the hype surrounding them, it would be easy to dismiss the masked metal outfit Presidents. But their debut EP, 'King of Terrors', released today, proves there's genuine substance behind the spectacle. While some reviews have been mixed, the consensus is that this is a polished and ambitious first offering with plenty of promise.
The EP is a deeply personal project for the anonymous frontman, (Charlie?) rooted in a personal crisis and the exploration of religion, loss, and death. Its title, 'King of Terrors,' is a direct biblical reference to death itself, setting the stage for a six-track journey into darkness and existential fear. The band has said that the EP was "forged in solitude. Shaped by memory," and their goal was to create something that felt both uncomfortable and cinematic, much like the mood of The Shining.
Musically, 'King of Terrors' operates at the intersection of heavy metal, electronic experimentation, and atmospheric rock. While some listeners may find the sound familiar, with clear echoes of bands like Sleep Token and Architects, I think it's a strategic move by the band. The reality is that this genre is still riding a wave that is nowhere near its peak, and Presidents are smartly positioned to capitalise on an increasingly popular sound. Some might even say it’s just business.
The EP truly shines in its vulnerability. The single "Rage" is a clear departure, leaning into a more progressive, electronic soundscape that feels genuinely beautiful and tender. The EP's closer, "Conclave," is similarly genre-less, blending wispy pop melodies with glitchy beats and well-timed screams, creating a unique and compelling finale.
While a band's overall vision can be complex, a truly great riff will always prevail. The moment the colossal opening riff of "Destroy Me" hit my ears on a live recording from the band's Download set earlier in the year, I was immediately hooked. It's a gut-punch of a riff—simple, yet devastatingly effective. It's the kind of melody that buries itself in your brain and doesn't let go, and for that reason, "Destroy Me" gets my vote for the best track on the EP.
'King of Terrors' is a strong debut from a band that is clearly pushing the boundaries. While the sheer amount of hype might have set expectations impossibly high for some, the EP succeeds in delivering a powerful and cohesive artistic statement. The band's ability to blend gut-bottoming drops with soaring choruses and quiet, emotional moments is impressive. They may not have created a new genre, but they have shown a deep understanding of dynamics and melody, which points to a very interesting future. This is a record for fans of heavy music who appreciate cinematic storytelling and a band that is not afraid to take risks.
The band's choice to remain anonymous is a captivating and effective move for a debut EP, yet it raises an inevitable question about their long-term strategy. While the anonymity serves as a brilliant hook for the current EP and its subsequent tour, there's an inescapable risk of the concept becoming stale over time. It may be too early to tell, but what happens after this album cycle has run its course? The challenge for Presidents will be in maintaining the mystique while still evolving as an artistic entity.