Reviewed by Rob Birtley

One Kingdom is an intense and atmospheric hard rock act from Melbourne, Australia. Founded in December 2012 by Troy Dixon, the former guitarist of the renowned death metal band Mortification, the current line-up is Nicholas Rickard (vocals), Troy Dixon (guitars) and Philip Peters (drums). This is their second release and can broadly be described as nu-metal of special interest to fans of bands like Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin. The EP starts with an eerie intro of a crackly recording of a distant child's voice - a mood setter. The first real track is "The Adversary" which is all about yielding yourself to the Saviour and the hope and sacrifices that entails. Like all the tracks on this album the guitar sections that unite both the blocked rhythm and guitar riffs have a distinct early 2000s sound. "Breath" starts out with heavy guitar and pulsating drums accompanied by a screeching vocal. Yet as intense as it is it still delivers catchy melodic hooks, penetrating riffs and melancholic clean section vocal to produce a meaningful and angst filled tale. "Affiance", the EP's lead single, is heavy and anthemic, atmospheric, substantial and full of lush harmonies, a crucial track on the EP. The song is a latter day pledge from God to man in the words "Never will I leave you or forsake you" and vice versa from man to God in recognising "I need your grace". "My Sacrifice" closes the album once again hitting an anthemic note. Production in parts is a bit muddy but as a work in progress 'Science Of Change' still draws you in.

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