EP Review Sietse de Krieger
Releasedate: 02.08.2024
We predicted it once we saw all the featured tracks getting released earlier this year, but now it has become real. Sietse de Krieger has released his debut solo EP, ‘Zenith’. Sietse has been making a name for himself in many bands and projects: Wake of Dawn, Crisis Theory, Raven Called Sin, and his latest band, SugarSpine. His name has been all over the internet and with over 9.000 monthly listeners, this guy is going places. Let’s take a look at this long-awaited debut EP.
Sietse de Krieger
Sietse says about Zenith: “The EP explores the disillusionment and inner struggle of an individual caught between conflicting philosophies and societal expectations. The lyrics combine themes of personal introspection, social criticism, and a desire for authenticity. ZENITH delves into the journey of self-discovery and the longing to break free from the constraints imposed by society. This EP takes listeners on a journey through the chaos of existence, where the lines between truth and deception blur.” The need for authenticity and self-discovery is strong with this artist. Going from a guitarist to being a producer, combining various talents in the scene, and being part of collaborative projects like Crisis Theory, it’s clear that Sietse is on a path.
While his previous work has always been instrumental, for ZENITH, Sietse enlisted the help of other artists. SugarSpine’s Josh Mucke has been one of the motivators behind the EP, and features on two of the tracks. The other spots are taken by Mees Stevens from Torn From Oblion and No Permissions, Vincehatred, and Mike Evans (Profiler). Sietse is a very technical guitarist, taking inspiration from Sleep Token, Polaris, and Spiritbox. We get complex riffs, guitar solos, and layers upon layers upon layers of electronic vibes, synths, guitar, and bass.
The Weakest Predator
The Weakest Predator, The Worst and Zenith have been released prior to the EP release. When The Weakest Predator first dropped, even though I love Sietse, I wasn’t a huge fan. There were two reasons for that. I felt like there was too much repetition in the synth loop, and the synth pad had a very slow attack. That just sounded a little off to me.
But that might be a little nitpicky, just because the previous tracks like Divided, Disgrace, and Proton were all really good. And, to be honest, after hearing it at least over 20 times since then, while I still feel the synth loop is too repeating, I can’t help but say that this track slays. It’s the combination of modern, heavy riffs and electronics that makes this a wall of sound you can’t escape.
The Worst
The Worst was a step up from The Weakest Predator. Daniel Brooke is really adding something else to this track with his vocals, and I like the cleans on this track a lot. The groovy riffs and droning synths grab you on this track, and those vocals complement the heavy riffs well. The haunting ‘it’s madness” really stands out. Speaking of songwriting, the breaks make this track a little more dynamic, and therefore more interesting. Oh, and there is a kickass solo on this track.
Zenith
And then there was Zenith. By this time, we were quite sure an EP was on the way. It took Sietse a while to announce it though, but it seems we were right. The title track to this EP takes us right back to his earlier work, with loud, hard, modern riffs and just enough electronic and EDM influences to make it unique and really LOUD. Zenith is a really upbeat track, almost a redemption song. It’s powerful, hopeful, and I’d say, the best thing we’ve heard so far from Sietse.
Illusions
But that’s ‘so far’, ‘cause now we have two more tracks to enjoy! Illusions takes off where Zenith ended. A different vocal sound with Mike Evans. I like his lower cleans a lot, and the vocal melodies on this track are very different than the previous tracks. It’s The vocals take this track a little bit into the nu-metal genre, with a kinda KORN on steroids vibe with the heavy guitars and beats. The slowdown in the end prepares us for what’s to come, and Masquerade kicks in even harder because of it.
Masquerade
Masquerade kicks off with the heaviest riff and screams we’ve heard so far. This is dark. Deathcore even, maybe. The fact that Josh and Mees are doing double vocals on this track makes it even heavier. It might be a touch too heavy for me though (I know, I’m surprising myself by saying that). But the thing is, it’s such a wall of sound, that the intricacies in the synths and guitar get a bit lost because of it. You really have to listen closely to pick up all the details in this track. But, oh man, it slams. The end is SO LOUD and SO LOW that I was worried I would blow up my headphones.
Final Thoughts
Sietse is one of the gems of the Dutch metalscene. The metalcore community have known him for a while know, and I really hope the rest of our Dutch metalscene gets to know him with this release as well. His approach to metal is quiet unique in the scene, combining modern technical guitar riffs with electronic vibes, breaching walls by collaborating with many others. Zenith is probably my favorite track of the EP, but make sure you check out Illusions as well!
Tracklist:
- The Weakest Predator (Feat. Sugar Spine & Vincehatred)
- The Worst (feat. Daniel Brooke)
- Zenith (feat. Mees Stevens)
- Illusions (feat. Mike Evans)
- Masquerade (feat. Sugar Spine & Mees Stevens)
You can find Sietse de Krieger on socials, or in our database. Oh, and we did an interview with him, so check that out too!
