Killing Kings 2007 release Delusions of Grandeur was an under appreciated gem of 90's inspired hardcore. It was equally as destructive as it was thought provoking. The album was a combination of bruising metallic hardcore and searing metal that often had me dreaming of dance-floor incited frenzy sing-alongs. The album's social and political lyrical themes only added further fuel to the passion delivered through the music.
The Denver-based hardcore outfit return with their sophomore effort,
The One You Feed the Most, another self-released album. The ten songs that comprise this recording are brimming with the true passion and integrity that the first hardcore and punk bands offered.
"Prelude" offers your typical hardcore intro but is laced with samples pertaining the current economic climate, setting the stage for the issues that the band will tackle over the course of the album. "Die with a Smile" picks things up where the band left off on their last full-length. Metal-tinged riffage, thundering bass, and pummeling drums provide the backbone to the song. Meanwhile, the vocals are delivered with a raging intensity in a style akin to Biohazard - a mix of coarse yells, spoken words, and rhyming. Put it all together and you've got a great recipe for a hardcore song.
The aggression continues with "Parental Misguidance." The guitars stack the deck with another affair of scorching riffs, upbeat two-step parts, and punishing breakdowns. Anyone that enjoys the classics like Sick of it All and Madball or present acts like Terror and Trapped Under Ice will find something to enjoy here. Killing Kings makes continued use of this concoction over the course of the album.
The band does mix things up. "Same Difference" borrows from other influences - metal, punk, and oi - as opposed to simply taking a hardcore approach. This direction is possibly a reflection of the song's lyrics promoting unity of all underground scenes. One of Killing King's more obvious influences gets special treatment in the form of a cover of Life of Agony's "Underground." They stay true to the original version in form. It's obvious the song was chosen for the lyrics in addition to the music both likely had a major impact on the members.
The Ones You Feed the Most concludes with "Keeps it Real," a humorous satirical joke for all those breakdown-centered bands that seem so popular these days. Sure it's a joke, but I can see a band stealing the exact breakdown for their own use because it is that good.
Lyrically, Killing Kings continues their approach to covering issues pertaining to social and political situations. While not nearly as heated or direct as their attack on the U.S. government on their previous effort - perhaps the end of the Bush era softened them - the band still takes aim at many serious topics. Issues pertaining to joblessness, the growing gap between the wealthy and poor, religious ideals, and political indifference get their time. It's nice to see band's discussing issues that actually have an impact on society.
It's quite a surprise that Killing Kings remains an unsigned band thus far. The band is obviously quite talented musically and they quite driven lyrically as well. It's a shame they aren't able to get their message out to more people, but hopefully time will be on their side and soon everyone will hear what they have to offer.
