As I write, the debated timeline puts this terrifying catastrophe anywhere from two years to a decade away, with many contenders vying for the ‘top spot.’ Climate disaster. Unchecked AI. Global wars. El Niño. Capitalism. Political upheaval and erosion of basic rights. People vs. people. Rather than isolated attacks these are often seen working in unison, driving each other forward. All that, in a nutshell, is the worrying inspiration behind Emma Ruth Rundle’s sixth album These Killing Times. Where 2021's stark and minimalistic Engine of Hell found her turning inward, this time she's confronting threats from outside and bringing her focus back to the fuller band sound of 2018's On Dark Horses. Opening with the quiet-loud "Powerless", it's immediately apparent that Rundle’s frustration and anger at our current state is reflected in the instrumental cacophony. The two-word chorus ("Power / Powerless") is weighty and intense, while the verses and bridge offer a more intimate plea for revolution. Each of These Killing Times' eight songs draw out a similar balance between vulnerability and volume. Structured around the escalation of specific threats and suggesting ways to dispel and defeat them, “God’s Picture” is described by Rundle as the album’s central thesis – how can we maintain our faith? But truthfully, every note on the whole album is carefully curated, every vocal arranged to swell and ebb and show how humanity is pulled, and indeed pulls itself, to pieces. Each successive track points towards a deliberately selected sense of dread or fear. “Catherine Wheel” brings Gina Gleason’s guitar more into the foreground, and the dangerous foundation we’re sat on continues to be outlined on the expansive sounding “Anvil” and “Don’t Delay Heaven”. Elsewhere, Patrick Shiroishi’s saxophone adds texture to the already rough-hewn spaces created by guitars and drums. On the chaotic “Enough” his arrangements are an even heavier proposition. Still, as hopeless as the view has been up to this point, These Killing Times turns in its final movements with the closing duo of “Human Kindness” and “Oceans of Time”. Both ask hard questions and intend to inspire hope, to encourage change, and are loaded with calls to arms. What responsibility do we take as individuals? Some see community being flushed away by selfishness, but it’s a question that’s in urgent need of an answer. 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. Is that the right word to use? Inspiring, maybe. Its emotional turmoil and political ambitions are clearly sincere, but it's not quite the revelatory statement it threatens to become. Or perhaps I lean towards the more cynical end of the spectrum when wondering if we’ve reached a tipping point of no return?