There’s plenty to respect here as Rundle’s voice remains distinctive, the musicianship is strong, and displays worlds of welcome colour. Yet These Killing Times occasionally feels more accomplished than exciting

Casting a wide collaborative net across the world of heavy music, the Portland musician captures a newfound sense of momentum, even optimism, in her doomy, downcast songwriting

Sees her return to a full band setup for gothic chamber rock about wallowing in the end times

It’s the sense of community inherent in the creation of These Killing Times that provides the clearest imprint of optimism, though. On Engine Of Hell, Emma was alone. This time, she’s surrounded herself with like-minded creators to fight the good fight. Her reinvigoration is a bright burst of light indeed

It’s a beautiful album from an artist at their absolute peak who understands that acceptance of the darkness is good enough

This is the album Emma Ruth Rundle has long wanted and been destined to make. These Killing Times marks the actualization of a signature artist