Canadian alternative/metalcore artist Kennedy Von Kat dropped “Desolate” last week, teaming up with Matti Hoffman, guitarist from Escape The Fate. The track digs into emotional torment and resilience with the kind of visceral intensity that modern metalcore fans expect. Recorded at Beach Road Studios with Siegfried Meier (Kittie, SAW soundtrack) handling production and mixing, and mastered by Troy Glessner at S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Studios (Underoath, Silverstein, Disturbed), the production quality is solid. The song was co-written by Kennedy and Hoffman, and their creative chemistry shows. A music video shot by emerging shoegaze band Deer Fang accompanies the release, adding to the track’s dark atmosphere.
Musically, it has the signature punchy metalcore rhythm-section style. The drums specifically carry the groove and complement Kat’s soaring vocals by creating a heavy stomping foundation on which she can fly. There is a strong melodic motif repeated throughout that’s played mainly on piano, with some accompanying harmonized layers. But the highlight is for sure the vocal performance and style, it’s what gives the song its edge and makes it stand out from the crowd of the metalcore scene.
“Desolate” works because Kennedy Von Kat brings something distinct to the table. The metalcore scene has no shortage of bands doing crushing guitars and atmospheric textures, but her haunting vocal style cuts through in a way that feels fresh. For fans of Bad Omens, Spiritbox, and Sleep Token, this hits the right spots.
