ALBUM REVIEW: Exhibition Of Prowess – Kublai Khan TX
The latest KUBLAI KHAN TX album has been a long time coming, with the Texans edging us for well over a year since they released the single Theory Of Mind. Whilst we’ve been yelling and dancing (there was a TikTok trend but let’s not talk about that) along to “Monkey see, monkey do – so who the f**k made you?” since last April, the band have been growing at an alarming speed and latest album Exhibition Of Prowess is a showcase of why the metallic hardcore meatheads deserve such acclaim.
Despite this being KKTX’s fifth full-length, the band aren’t known for much evolution and with over five years since their last album Absolute, existing fans are sure to be eagerly awaiting more of the same and they won’t be disappointed. With just under 25 minutes of formulaic fury, there’s not a second of room for rest and every single track is perfect for the pit, with constant call-outs including to quite literally “bang your f**king head”.
As well as the aforementioned single Theory Of Mind, the band previously shared another two tasters off of the album, with most recently dropped Supreme Ruler appearing as a stellar intro to the 24-minute assault. Vocalist Matt Honeycutt’s breakdown call-outs have become somewhat iconic over recent years and the album kicking off with him announcing “Khan is king” acts as a good warning of the onslaught that continues. The aptly named Darwinism is full of simple yet effective primal beatdowns that accompany most of the album but there’s enough cheeky pauses and changes of pace to keep listeners on their toes as the record continues to chug on, knuckles dragging.
Midway track Mud stands out and with chunky, low-tuned riffs as filthy as its namesake, and it’s bound to be lapped up by fans of the likes of CODE ORANGE, JESUS PIECE and obviously HATEBREED. A Hopeless Fate features the Peter Pan of hardcore himself, Jamey Jasta, whose vocals combine with Honeycutt’s grunts seamlessly, and Cannibal features guest growls from Dave Peters of THROWDOWN, which helps to slow things down and add another layer of heavy.
Many fans were predicting and praying for a follow-up to Antpile and they will be pleasantly correct with Antpile II closing the album with the same ferocity with which it started. How many other bands in this current time could get away with the only lyrics being “two” and manage to leave so many wanting to throw furniture on their first listen?
KUBLAI KHAN TX are a fine example of the continuing modern trend of blending metalcore and hardcore and with the Texans already announcing a UK tour and Bloodstock festival next year, you can only imagine the carnage that Exhibition Of Prowess will create in a live setting. Khan is king.
Rating: 9/10
Exhibition Of Prowess is out now via Rise Records.
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