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Channel Zero - Kill All Kings Album Review (Metal Blade Records)

 
 
'Kill All Kings' is the sixth studio album from Belgian Heavy Metal band, Channel Zero. Regarded as one of the biggest Metal bands in Belgium the band have had many trials and tribulations leading up to this new release; disbanding at the height of their career back in 1997, then embarking on reunion tours in 2010, and more recently in 2013 they tragically lost their former drummer Phil Baheux, who died aged 45. Later that year they announced they were working on a new album with Roy Mayorga playing drums. With all that the band have been through now they are back to honour Phil with their new album and start a new chapter in their career....
 
Opening track, 'Dark Passenger' comprises of heavy thrashing groovy riffs, raw energy and impressive and varied vocals from Franky, ranging from vicious to highly melodic and all resulting a seriously catchy metal offering that sets the bar high for this release!..
 
The interesting and intriguing titled, 'Electronic Cocaine' powers on with a big memorable chorus, soaring vocals and ambient instruments. This is set to be a fan favourite which you will fast become 'addicted' too!
 
'Burn The Nation' is much faster and aggressive than previously keeping things different and diverse. Sporting solid riffs, belligerent vocals and menacing guitars and solo adding more ferocity, this has the makings of a anthemic mosh track!
  
'Ego' slows things down opening with a soft mellow effects before bursting to life with good rhythms and tempo changes keeping things dynamic, with the vocals perfectly reflecting the changes in the instruments for coherency.
 
'Crimson Collidor' displays some of the best vocal abilities from Franky, as well as use of dual vocals for emphasis which is used well. This has a huge sound which will translate wonderfully live, as well as some impressive fast paced guitar work once again from riff master, Mikey Doling!
 
Title track, 'Kill All Kings' gets straight to the point and in a brutal yet melodic fashion, being one of the heaviest ones so far with some dark slick shredding to aid the relentless throttle of the song!
 
'Brother's Keeper' in contrast is a slow ballad type song. The main focus on vocals which are highly emotive and executed flawlessly. Half way through the track takes a different path with all instruments kicking in and turning up the volume which is great for depth, passion and power!

'Mind Over Mechanics' has a sense of urgency and has some mental pounding drums with Roy doing the band proud as through out. 'Duisternis' meaning 'darkness' sees Franky using his own dialect which is a nice surprise and works wonderfully and in this technical rampage!

An appropriate ending, 'Heart Stop' is an emotional and passionate affair with brilliant clean vocals and sees the appearance of different instruments such as piano to create a beautiful and haunting sound, paired with soaring and ambient guitars and bursts of more aggressive vocals that portray the anger and sadness behind the lyrics. A very powerful one to end on!

Kill All Kings comprises of twelve modern metal tracks all of which offer something a bit different whilst remaining cohesive. This new chapter they have embarked on is off to a flying start with their brand of technical melodic groove metal and with Roy Mayorga proving his worth and doing Phil's memory proud; Phil would have been proud of this record and as will the fans be!

'Kill All Kings' is out on the 24th June 2014 via Metal Blade Records.

www.channel-zero.be
www.facebook.com/thebandchannelzero
www.youtube.com/thebandchannelzero

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