KINGS DESTROY
“KINGS DESTROY”
Album Review by Chris Palmer
8/10
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York comes five-piece band Kings Destroy. Formed in 2010, the band consists of Carl Porcaro [Guitar], Chris Skowronski [Guitar], Steve Murphy [Vocals], Rob Sefcik [Drums], and Aaron Bumpus [Bass]. Influenced by such bands as Black Sabbath, Yob, The Melvins, and The Cro Mags, the band play a mixture of Stoner-Rock, Doom, and Heavy Metal with a Hardcore edge. The description of this band is stated as being like “a red tailed hawk circling above its prey” with the shorter description being just “Heavy”! [Facebook]
Since formation, Kings Destroy have shared stages with bands such as Corrosion Of Conformity, Orange Goblin, Pentagram, and Yob to name but a few. On 5th May 2015, the five-piece released 3rd and self-titled album, “Kings Destroy” via War Crime Recordings. This album is the follow up to the band’s critically acclaimed “A Time Of Hunting”, and understandably, has been released amidst high expectations.
To be honest, at the time of retrieving this self-titled new album in order to review, I’d never heard of Kings Destroy. So I did a little research on the band and tracked down both “A Time Of Hunting” and the band’s debut “And The Rest Will Surely Perish”. Before reviewing the new release, I gave these two previous releases a listen just to get acquainted with the band’s sound and to see what all the fuss was about! I can honestly say that I like them both, “A Time Of Hunting” in particular … In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I had to spend a couple of quid and download it from Kings Destroy’s Bandcamp website! Not only has this made me extremely happy, I’m also now really excited to hear the latest offering from this band. Does “Kings Destroy” live up to/surpass all the hype thrown the way of “A Time Of Hunting”? Let’s find out …
This self-titled release was produced and mixed by Sanford Parker [Twilight, Voivod, EyeHateGod, and Yob] at Studio G in Brooklyn, with Collin Jordan [EyeHateGod, Wovenhand, and Voivod] handling mastering duties at The Boiler Room, Chicago. The album consists of seven tracks spread over 34 minutes and 7 seconds.
Album opener, “Smokey Robinson” starts proceedings with some great sounding riffs before the heaviness rises as pounding drums and bass enter the fray. Steve’s vocals enter after 15 seconds, setting the tone as this slow pulsing doom metal number rolls through its four minutes. There are sections within whereby the pace quickens a little, only to return to that slow pace that has you nodding along in unison. The main riffs are so heavy that they literally make the ground tremble as the music rumbles through your ears. Another earth-shattering riff introduces “Mr. O” as good guitar-play from Carl and Chris gets the slow headbanging continuing. This track is heavy with good pace, rhythm, and memorable chorus sections throughout. Aaron’s bass pounds in your ears and at 3:46, you’re treated to a neat guitar solo which brings a smile to your face.
The guitar-play from the previous track continues straight into “W2”, helping its launch. After a few seconds you’re slammed in the skull and left shaken as huge pounding bass lines, riffs, and drums come in from Aaron, Carl, Chris, and Rob respectively. Things are soon joined by those impressive vocals of Steve as he brings more feeling to the track, adding to the excellent musicianship on display. There are sections throughout this number when Steve sounds remarkably similar to Ozzy Osbourne … Good stuff! This track is heavy and awesome, with great rhythm … Both drums and bass literally pummel you into the ground, destroying your senses.
Following this is the truly epic “Mythomania”, which begins with some neat guitar-play. Things slowly increase in tempo as Rob’s drums and Aaron’s bass enter. After 30 seconds the track’s main rhythm/style becomes evident and Steve’s vocals join soon after. Consisting of more excellent guitar-play throughout, it’s a slow-moving track that really pulls you in and keeps you hooked as Kings Destroy take you on a journey with confident and consistent musicianship.
The heaviness continues as slow pounding riffs hit you square in the face, launching “Embers”. With a great instrumental section between 3:36-5:02, which includes both bass and guitar solos, this is another consistent rhythmic track that sends you into fits of headbanging, albeit at a slow pace! With the instruments fading out towards the end, you’re set up nicely for penultimate track “Green Diamonds”. At 2:42 in length, this is the shortest track on the album, and starts immediately, settling into a nice rhythm. It has a rather catchy feel to it and is faster in pace than other tracks, yet still has that ever-present doom metal style. You find yourself headbanging and tapping your feet as the band drive through your skull with heavy riffage.
A slow, quiet beginning, soon followed by light guitar-play, marks the beginning of “Time For War”. Things build to a crescendo before a slow moving rhythm section joins in, followed by Steve’s vocals sometime later [1:36]. At 2:50 you’re treated to those familiar sounding heavier riffs as the track progresses through its 5:37 length. The drumming throughout is excellent, as are the other instruments, vocals included. Things slow down towards the end, closing out this album perfectly.
You lose all sense of time whilst listening to “Kings Destroy”. Its 34 minutes and 7 seconds are over far too quickly, leaving you feeling as if there should be more. There is nothing else to do besides go around again. So, you repeat the feat, listening to this collection of songs over and over again … With each song getting better with every listen. Truth is, I can’t stop playing it!
The musicianship on display throughout is excellent, consistent, and played with confidence. Each track is heavy with pounding bass lines, perfectly timed drumming, outstanding riffs and guitar-play, and the vocals to match. With this album, Kings Destroy have the perfect follow-up to “A Time Of Hunting” and a great lesson in Stoner-Rock, Doom, and Heavy Metal with a Hardcore edge.
My only disappointment with “Kings Destroy” is that it’s not long enough! If there were an additional two or three songs of such quality, then this album would definitely have been awarded a higher rating. Despite this, “Kings Destroy” is an essential album for any metal fan, regardless of genre preferences. I can’t wait for the next instalment from this band!
TRACKLIST
Smokey Robinson
Mr. O
W2
Mythomania
Embers
Green Diamonds
Time For War
www.kingsdestroy.com
www.facebook.com/KingsDestroy
