Artist profile · Drum & bass
Black Barrel
Deep in the music.
Closer to the artist.
Black Barrel is Evgeny Khmel’s drum and bass project, spanning the rugged Play EP on Dispatch and the liquid direction of Could Be on Wild & Wise.
Behind the music
About Black Barrel.
Black Barrel is the drum and bass project of Evgeny Khmel, who also records slower bass music as Leo Cap. The two names share a studio practice, with each giving him a different tempo and context to work in.
His Play EP for Dispatch Recordings, released in February 2023, brings together the dubwise Whatah Bang, the growling bass of the title track, and the stepping drums of Somebody Serious. Vocal samples, quick edits, and detailed percussion run through the release.
The four-track Could Be EP followed through Wild & Wise in May 2026. Its liquid drum and bass direction adds another side to the Black Barrel catalogue, with Tears Drop, Home Boy, and Hands Up alongside the title track.
Artist styles
Source-reviewed associations with parts of this artist’s work. Individual releases may differ.
Liquid
High confidence · Could Be EP, 2026
Rollers
Moderate confidence · Play EP, 2023
Jungle
High confidence · Original atmospheric-jungle tracks on Just Keep My Life