King Kraken are set to release their follow-up to their 2023 debut “MCLXXX”, and once again, they are putting the “Heavy” in Heavy Metal with this one set to rock you to your foundations.
From the instant the drum and guitar riff hits on “Scream” you know you’re in for something special and when Donohue comes in on vocals the just accentuate the heaviness, Healey and Rose combine amazingly on the guitars while Meyer and Mears bass and drums give the thumping low end that rattle your bones, a savage opening. As the title suggests “El Giganto” is a massive track; built off a booming drum and bass beat that creates a killer rhythm, Donohue’s vocals match the power of the drum and bass combo while Rose and Healey chop it up on the guitars with banging riffs that push the track along, Healey’s solo is brilliant as it builds it intensifies and speeds up, pure class.
The sonic assault of “Berzerker” will leave you feeling like you’ve gone ten rounds with a Viking, the reason being that as the tempo drops the heavy assault increases with Mears’ thunderous drumming and Meyer’s rumbling bass, Donohue snarling goes hand in hand with the vibe of this marauding beast but what make this track is the dual assault from Healy and Rose as they trade crunching riffs and Healey’s solo is a thing of beauty, one of the standouts on the album. The opening salvo on title track “March Of The Gods” is unbelievable, a great riff accompanied by thumping drums and even heavier vocals from Donohue, the stuttering guitar riffs and pulsating bass drive the track big time giving you a heavy fast paced rhythm that slows to a grind midway, just to change things up a bit and give Healey the space to throw out another mind bending solo, before ramping back up as the track comes to a close, a banger if ever there was.
“Hero” is a complete one eighty to what has gone before as Donohue puts in a heartfelt performance as he pays homage to his late father with a bluesy number that is slow and lamenting but stunning and allows Donohue to showcase his unbelievable vocal talent in a different light, without a doubt the best track on the album. The groove laden “Vigilante” is a fucking animal with its kicking rhythm from messrs Mears and Meyers coupled with the chugging riffs from Healey and Rose as Donohue’s raspy vocals encapsulate the grit of the track when it drops down a level or two midway through allowing Healey to shred before it goes off again. “Preacher” is another groover that seems to have a nastier side to it as Donohue snarls his way through this one with an ominous tone, the bass is thick and down tuned as are the guitars as the drums pound away relentlessly, the track takes a bit of a turn midway and becomes a kickass thrasher with Healey and Rose letting rip trading solos before slowing back down again.
“Magnum Opus” pounds out a beat that will knock your socks off in a drum and bass combo that is powerful as hell with some monstrous riffs and Donohue bellowing out over the cacophony of heavy metal mayhem. This is pure, unadulterated metal at its finest. “Chainsaw Saviour” is groove lovers’ wet dream; a rumbling bass line, slow, deliberate drum beat and massive chugging riffs. Donohue lets rip with shades of Texas Hippie Coalition’s Big Dad Richie, again, Healey fires off a killer solo, you will love this one just for the groove. The album closes with “Under The Sun”, a slower but powerful number that has a hint of blues crossed with southern rock, the heaviness reverberates through the speakers as the relentless drum beat and booming bass burst out, Donohue give his all while the dual assault of the guitars riff and solo wise is outstanding, the rousing finish to the track is a fitting end to a truly magnificent album.
“March Of The Gods” is self-released and out the 18th of April, if you enjoyed their debut album then be prepared to be blown away as this is a serious step up in class.
Review: Conor
Purchase March of the Gods here.
KING KRAKEN – March of the Gods
Album Artwork Tracklisting:
1. Scream
2. El Giganto
3. Berserker
4. March Of The Gods
5. Hero
6. Vigilante
7. Preacher
8. Magnum Opus
9. Chainsaw Saviour
10. Under The Sun
|
|
King Kraken are
Mark Donohue Vocals
Richard Lee Mears Drums
Karl Meyer Bass
Pete Rose Rhythm guitar
Adam Healey Lead guitar
Tickets available here: https://www.kingkraken.