Album Review: Ward XVI – Id3ntity (Earache)

The theatrical titans of the UK rock and metal scene, Ward XVI, are back with an explosive new album, ‘Id3ntity’, which is out on 11th July, via Earache digital distribution.

It’s been a long wait for the next chapter in the Psychoberrie saga, but here we are. Ward XVI are back, more aggressive than ever, not only offering up some of their heaviest music to date but also distilling their theatrical horror creativity into something daringly accessible. This is Ward XVI, but not quite as we know them, and isn’t that bloody exciting?

Bridging the gap between Metamorphosis and The Art of Manipulation (you can find out more in our interview here), there are many words that can be used to summarise Id3ntity, but one that I particularly like is ‘spectacle’. Ward XVI are a band who live and breathe being a spectacle, both live and on record, but on Id3ntity they’ve taken that in a fresh direction that fully displays the madness of the story they are telling.

It’s also displayed in a much more anthemic way, suggesting Ward XVI wrote some of the songs with one eye on the stage, a very important side of the band.

Welcome to the last day of your life.

Get used to singing along with this album, it’s far too easy, and it speaks volumes about the band’s evolution that they’ve been able to better balance this side of themselves with their more elaborate and theatrical side. In fact, I think the first two tracks; Regeneration and Into The Wilderness are two early examples of who Ward XVI are in 2025. Both are grand efforts, but the latter’s Gregorian-style choir, elaborate guitar solo, and cinematic edge is remarkable. It’s the kind of dazzling gaudiness we expect from this band, but at a much higher level of quality.

There’s some good old fashioned horror fun with a darkly playful tone to be found on the entertaining What’s in the Box? Especially as the tempo shift feels a bit ‘Maiden-like’ and the gang vocal shouts compliment Psychoberrie, who is really pushing her vocals here. It’s a great track, but so is Macabaret, a spectacular rock effort that is filled with garish life. A kickass chorus, big synths, and a cacophony of horns makes this likely to be a fan favourite, especially if it gets aired live.

Remember when I said this was Ward XVI at their heaviest? Here’s Blood Is the New Black. A blast of anthemic harmonised mania that is unrelentingly heavy, playful, dark, and weird. Delectably exciting stuff with an industrialised edge taking the listener into the second half of the album and the culmination of the Psychoberrie story. Where soaring melodies and electrifying vocals (pushed to breaking point) make At the Window special. I Spit on Your Grave is storytelling at its finest, Darkest Desire’s ups and downs command the attention, especially as this is Ward XVI in a very experimental mood, and the melodies of Amoeba of Madness have a deep sadness that reflects the stage of the story we’re at (it’s also got one hell of a guitar solo).

And just like that, it’s over, but not before Ward XVI’s biggest anthem to date arrives. It’s We Are Legion, and it is sure to be a fan favourite for many years to come. Not just because it is so anthemic, but because it’s that heavier side of Ward XVI. Don’t worry though, the eclectic and sinister theatrical touches are here too. It’s a very cool closing track, embodied by its class chorus.

We are legion. We are one. We are the collective. We are legion.

Yes. Yes we freaking are.

Ward XVI – Id3ntity Track Listing:

1. Regeneration
2. Into The Wilderness
3. What’s in the Box?
4. Macabaret
5. Interlude
6. Blood Is the New Black
7. At The Window
8. I Spit on Your Grave
9. Interlude 2
10. Darkest Desire
11. Amoeba Of Madness
12. Interlude 3
13. We Are Legion

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