ALBUM REVIEW: Lonely God – Fit For A King
By the time bands reach their eighth studio album, it can sometimes be safe to say that they are well passed their peak and are just releasing music as part of a contractual obligation. When it comes to metalcore outfit, FIT FOR A KING, it is very much a different story. Their eighth release; Lonely God sees the five piece at the top of their game as they deliver us twelve new tracks that are hard hitting tracks that invite us to confront our own personal issues head on in a cathartic manner that will appease old fans and undoubtedly bring in new fans.
Opening track Begin The Sacrifice, is a brooding number that blends inspirations from the likes of LINKIN PARK and ARCHITECTS with the use of electronic music and earth shattering riffs that compliment the anguished harsh vocals of vocalist Ryan Kirby perfectly. The song itself builds up and builds up and reaches a breakdown that will have you banging your head along with each beat and maybe pulling the odd stank face or two at the guitars that feature, it’s an incredibly solid opening to what appears to be an uncompromising album so far. The Temple follows and quickly builds upon that raw energy that was left by its predecessor. Begin The Sacrifice very much felt like a prologue to the album, whereas The Temple launches you into the album proper with its anthemic sound and scintillating musical arrangements. With the album feigning to ease up, we are greeted with the bruising Extinction, the heaviest track so far on Lonely God. This track is unforgiving but its nature is one of catharsis, particularly once you see this in song live. Expect windmills, flying legs and all out warfare in the mosh pits. No Tomorrow takes a minute (or four even) to slow proceedings down on the album but still doesn’t let up with the pummelling riffs and drums that compliment both vocal styles perfectly as it aims high not feeling amiss in huge venues let alone a small sweatbox venue.
Shelter is very much a lighter in the air moment on the album, exercising a more mainstream sound to it giving off “song for the radio vibes” this time opting to using synths and guitars without distortion, which isn’t a slight one bit, sometimes you just need to sing at the top of your lungs instead of screaming. It’s a good calm amongst the storm moments on the album that gives you and most importantly your ears some well needed respite from the bruising nature of Lonely God that invites the listener to explore their feelings rather than keeping them bottled up, packing the emotional punch. Monolith brings the chaotic nature of the record back at the halfway point with the help of ALPHA WOLF, the first of several features on the record; it’s a decent track but lacks the punch of the many songs before it. The albums namesake, Lonely God is yet another pit inducing track that is foreboding, menacing and packs one hell of a punch, particularly toward the end when it slows down and brings in some sumptuous low tuned guitar riffs and pig screams, it’s enough to scratch the itch of any metal fan. Another slow track comes from Between Us, which whilst a good tune in its own right, takes away the momentum brought on from the previous two tracks, just as you feel the album has got back into its groove, it slows down again once more. However, the track itself is a fun little ballad moment that cresciendo’s into something huge, which we all love singing along to don’t we?
Sentient is begins the journey to the end of the album with a decent track but feels like a track that could have been trimmed from the album, the metalcore vibes are there with its fast paced nature but pales in comparison to album highlight; Blue Venom which very much sounds how a bruise looks. The whirlwind nature of the track is enough to get anyone going and features one of the best breakdowns on the whole album that will indeed have you yearning for the pits. It’s fast, aggressive and gets the blood pumping as soon as it starts. The album highlights continue to come right until the end for Lonely God. Technium is yet another punishing track hits you like an anvil, this time with the help of metalcore counterparts; THE PLOT IN YOU, bringing a welcome dynamic in terms of vocal prowess to Lonely God. Witness The End brings the album to a close in fine and explosive style, throwing everything at the wall and seeing that everything successfully sticks, with the added bonus of Chris Motionless from MOTIONLESS IN WHITE who does seemingly give frontman Ryan Kirby a lesson in harsh vocals which gives off a teacher and the student sort of vibe. By the end, you’re feeling battered and bruised from the album yet ready for round two.
Overall, Lonely God is a welcome return to form for FIT FOR A KING, musically each track is concise with perhaps one or two feeling like they didn’t need to be there. It’s a mature offering from the band which is sure to help many listeners along the way feel a bit more welcome in the world showing that music always is a safe space for those who feel like they don’t have one. Despite a few glitches here and there, it’s a strong offering in what has been a great year for metalcore so far.
Rating: 8/10
Lonely God is out now via Solid State.
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