Introduction
German Gothic Metal / Dark Rock band Killing Suzy return with their long-awaited second album, Stillborn. Formed in Cologne, Germany, the band have built their sound around dark melodies, heavy guitars, atmospheric keyboards and the distinctive vocals of Ambra. With Stillborn, Killing Suzy take a deliberate step deeper into the roots of 90s Gothic Metal, while maintaining the darker and more organic character that has always been part of their identity.
Artist background
Killing Suzy were formed in Cologne in 2010 and have spent the years since developing a sound that bridges Gothic Metal, Dark Rock and melodic, atmospheric songwriting. The band’s identity is shaped by a balance between heavy instrumentation and the expressive, dynamic presence of vocalist Ambra, whose voice has become one of the most recognisable elements of their music. Across previous releases and live performances, Killing Suzy have established themselves as a band that values atmosphere, melody and a genuine sense of identity over easy genre formulas.
Stillborn: the album
Stillborn is the band’s long-awaited second album, following their 2017 debut Everybody Dies, Darling!. It represents a new chapter for Killing Suzy, one that moves them further toward the roots of 90s Gothic Metal while retaining their dark rock character. The album was released independently, with the Bandcamp release on 28 May 2026 and the wider streaming release on 5 August 2026.
Rather than aiming for an overly polished or clinical modern production, Killing Suzy wanted Stillborn to preserve the feeling of a real band playing together. The album was recorded in the band’s own rehearsal room, with an emphasis on warmth, energy and a natural performance. The production gives the instruments room to breathe, creating an organic atmosphere where the guitars, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals work together rather than competing for space.
Musical analysis
At the heart of Killing Suzy’s sound is vocalist Ambra, whose voice moves between fragile, emotional passages and much more powerful performances. Her vocals provide an important contrast to the band’s dark guitars and atmospheric arrangements, adding a human dimension that keeps the music from becoming purely theatrical. On Stillborn, the interplay between her voice and the rest of the band is one of the album’s defining strengths.
The songwriting on Stillborn is deliberately dark and melodic, built on heavy guitars, atmospheric keyboards and a rhythm section that understands when to drive forward and when to step back. The album’s collective approach is also notable: all members contributed to the songwriting, resulting in material that feels collaborative rather than dominated by a single vision. The songs aim for memorable compositions, strong performances and atmosphere rather than simply following current production trends.
The album’s dark aesthetic is reflected not only in its music but also in its visual identity. The Stillborn artwork presents a disturbing, surreal image that perfectly matches the album’s darker emotional world, reinforcing the sense that the music and imagery are inseparable parts of the same statement.
Tracklist
1. Forbidden Fruit
2. We Will Have It All
3. A Pointless Legacy
4. Zombies From Outer Space
5. Phoenix (Rise From The Ashes)
6. Trail And Error
7. Dance With The Devil
8. Cherryblossoms In The Snow
9. Driftwood
10. Still Sleeping
The band
Ambra – Vocals
Ralf – Guitar
Sebastian – Keys
Jens – Bass
Gerd – Drums
Release details
Stillborn was released independently. The Bandcamp release arrived on 28 May 2026, followed by the streaming release on 5 August 2026.
Conclusion
With Stillborn, Killing Suzy continue to explore the darker side of Gothic Metal while keeping their music personal, melodic and organic. The album’s commitment to a natural, rehearsal-room sound, its atmospheric 90s Gothic Metal influences and its collective songwriting approach make it a distinctive statement from a band that clearly values its own voice.
For listeners who appreciate atmospheric 90s Gothic Metal, dark rock, expressive vocals and a genuine band sound, Stillborn offers a compelling new chapter from the Cologne-based group.
Recommended for fans of
90s Gothic Metal, Gothic Rock, Dark Rock and atmospheric female-fronted metal — particularly listeners who value organic production, memorable songwriting and a balance between darkness and melody.
Follow the artist
Follow Killing Suzy on Bandcamp and streaming platforms for Stillborn, future releases and live news.
An artist feature by Metal Madness Weekly LTD, highlighting independent and emerging artists from across the global heavy music and rock community.
— Review by Tomi Perrakoski / Metal Madness Weekly (c)
🌐 metalmadnessweekly.ltd
