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Gothic Metal isn’t really my cup of tea these days; somehow it lost its charm many years ago. However, one of the better Gothic Metal bands is this Staten Island, New York-based freak show called Wrath of Killenstein. I first became familiar with them via their self-titled debut album some 15 years ago.

It took 12 years for them to visit the studio again to record a 4-track EP titled Ugly. Fortunately they maintain the ugly and filthy side of Gothic Metal unlike many other acts that kiss the ass of commercialism to make a couple of extra bucks. Wrath of Killenstein still sound unique and there’s nothing commercial about their sound that might make your daughter want this for a X-mas present. This malevolent mob rocks your neck on Ugly with some twisted and evil intentions to drag your fearful corpse into the band’s dark nest. Seriously, the band’s Gothic Metal has a pleasing metallic flavor to it, at times sounding like Judas Priest if they’d been put through a giant Gothic blender. The guitar riffs are pure Heavy Metal and the solo work of both Killenstein and Jomar C could well be taken from the book of K.K. Downing or Glen Tipton as you can hear on the song called "Pigsticker." The cover of "Electric Funeral" by Black Sabbath is well done, in an ugly way of course.

According to this EP, Wrath of Killenstein is alive and well. In sickness they trust - and in sickness they live.