ALBUM REVIEW: Revenge.Forgiveness.Recovery – Kingsmen

The metalcore division is arguably one of the most hotly contested genre’s in metal right now with the likes of PARKWAY DRIVE, ARCHITECTS and BURY TOMORROW all proudly flying the flag. Hoping to climb the ladder is Rhode Island debutantes KINGSMEN who are poised to release their full length release entitled Revenge.Forgiveness.Recovery due on April 10th via SharpTone Records. Can this release springboard them into the spotlight?

Until I Departed doesn’t mess about with warm ups, kicking into a high gear with energetic riffing and boisterous vocal blasts. An enticing melodic chorus line ups the intrigue, leaving you wondering what this album has in store. World on Fire maintains the momentum with a rapid tempo and potent drum sections. Underlying atmospherics assist in adding an extra dimension to the overall composition. Tipping the Scales commences with a tense intro that welcomes you with a raspy scream and a confident stride. Another soaring chorus comes forth, effortlessly cutting through the heaviness.

Nightmare keeps the intensity nicely simmering with jabbing riffs and a swarming ferocity. The vocal transitions between vicious growls and sharp screams compliment the arrangement. The chorus has an addictive nu-metal style shine to it. The introductory riffs of Waste Away echo in the distance before sneaking up on you and hitting you in the face with a burst of down tuned fury. This track twists and turns between WHITECHAPEL level aggression and emotionally charged chorus lines which hit that sweet spot. Outsider triumphantly charges on with powerful uplifting melodies. A combination of machine gun drumming and potent riffing lead the way. The track descends into absolute carnage with relentless blast beats and rage infused growls to send a sharp shock down your spine.

The rage forged from it’s predecessor spills over into following track Oppressor. Venomous growls and bludgeoning riffs take KINGSMEN down a journey into deathcore country which throws quite a curveball into the mix. Pleasure In Vengeance makes a swift u-turn, returning to the accustomed foundations laid down by the first half of the release. Sturdy bass lines and lurking guitar work provide a tense atmosphere. Relapse provides a moment for reflection with a calming piano-driven interlude which builds the anticipation for the finale of Death of the Sixth. Pulsing drums and powerful vocals take centre stage before ushering in further surges of energetic riffing to end the album on an emphatic note.

KINGSMEN have shown a lot of promise with this release but they seem to be struggling with what identity they want to focus on establishing. They flirt with a variety of genre’s in this release but never really settle on a game plan. This makes for an inviting, unpredictable listen whilst also causing a lack of cohesion as a collective release. There is plenty to appreciate within Revenge.Forgiveness.Recovery and it will be intriguing to see which direction KINGSMEN take as they continue their evolution.

Rating: 8/10

Revenge.Forgiveness.Recovery is set for release on April 10th via SharpTone Records.

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