Zilqy: Birth of Riot
The all-female modern metal band Zilqy are flying out of Japan, ready to cement themselves as the global powerhouse they are, and the release of their debut album Birth of Riot on 7 October via Maverick DC is the next step towards that mission. With their strengths lying in stories of people confronting their fears, loneliness, conflict and loss, Zilqy constantly promote independence and the importance of carving your own path, and Birth of Riot is absolutely no exception.
Opening the album with a dramatic electronic sound, ‘From Zero To One’ is an instrumental track that leads into the first glimpse fans had of the album, ‘World’s End’. Exploring fear and its constant presence in the world, the song goes beyond questioning the fear within us, instead becoming a call to action against allowing it to define who we are. Rather, we must learn to control it and break free from its hold. With its lyrics carried by melodic yet sharp instrumentation, ‘World’s End’ delivers an undeniable statement.
Following swiftly is the first full album track, ‘Psycho’. Embracing the ominous, apocalyptic atmosphere that runs beneath the album’s surface, the song stands out for its aggression, amplified by Anna’s striking vocals. A particularly gripping bridge builds towards the final chorus, giving the track a sense of completeness that Zilqy seem to achieve effortlessly.
Next is another previously released single, ‘CAVEAT’. Driven by rapid-fire drumming and weighty guitar riffs, this emotionally charged song is undoubtedly Zilqy’s fastest track yet. Its lyrics paint a picture of modern society’s rapid decline and the suffocating reality that comes with it, with the relentless instrumentation reinforcing this sense of urgency and propelling the song forward.
Shifting gears, ‘Other Side Of The Moon’ retains the album’s instrumental intensity while revealing a more vulnerable side. This love song delves into the complexities of desire and the need to be understood, exploring these emotions as more than fleeting feelings. Instead, it captures how deeply we come to depend on the people we love, as well as the influence they can have over our lives, often without us even realising it.
As the penultimate track, ‘Grotesque Noblesse’ could easily have served as a moment to slow the album’s momentum. Instead, it does quite the opposite, delivering a lyrical punch as a call for change and a departure from the familiar. Embracing a more rebellious and experimental direction, the song refuses to settle into expectations, pushing the album into even bolder territory.
The album closes with ‘Crimson’, a fitting final blow to such a bold release. Unapologetically fearless, the track centres on the importance of remaining true to yourself, regardless of the cost. Calling for a riot against corruption, fear and oppression, ‘Crimson’ is unafraid to get blood on its hands in the fight to be seen and heard. It captures Zilqy’s refusal to back down, leaving the album on a defiant note.
With Anna having written every lyric herself, and all the songs performed in English, Birth of Riot emerges as an emotionally resonant album that balances accessibility with lyrical depth, creating a strong sense of connection between Zilqy and their fans. Ultimately, Birth of Riot is more than just an album title; it marks the beginning of Zilqy’s ongoing riot as a band, one they seem determined to carry forward for years to come.