Steel Blade
25 October 2024
Laborious Rock/Revolutionary
kingsofmercia.com
Line Up:
Steve Overland
Jim Matheos
Joey Vera
Simon Phillips
Tracklist:
Weapons and Ammunition
Eyes for an Eye
Between Two Worlds
Legend
Struggle Scars
Don’t Ask
Aftermath
Hell ‘n’ Again
Chilly
Angels & Demons
Kings of Mercia’s “Struggle Scars” is an impressive collaboration between two mythical musicians: vocalist Steve Overland and guitarist Jim Matheos. Famend for his tough and soulful voice, Overland has been a mainstay within the British rock scene for many years. His paintings with bands like FM has solidified his recognition as one of the vital absolute best vocalists of his era. Matheos, then again, is a prog-metal virtuoso celebrated for his advanced guitar paintings. As a founding member of Fates Caution, he has been at the vanguard of the modern metallic motion for over 4 many years. His technical ability and talent to craft intricate guitar solos have made him a revered determine within the song trade.
That is the sophomore effort from the gang, following their severely acclaimed self-titled debut in 2022. The original pairing of Overland and Matheos, who come from other musical backgrounds, has been praised for its surprising and refreshing sound. In combination, they have got created a particular and dynamic sound on “Struggle Scars.” Overland’s tough vocals supplement Matheos’ intricate guitar paintings, leading to a in point of fact unforgettable listening enjoy.
The opener, “Weapons and Ammunition,” is a high-energy, fast moving observe. Overland’s vocals shine in this quantity, demonstrating his talent to ship tough performances even in additional competitive settings. The crafty up-tempo kickstarter in “Legend” is every other standout observe. Each Overland and Matheos excel in this tune, with the lyrics including intensity and poignancy. Issues decelerate moderately at the eponymous “Struggle Scars,” the place Overland’s majestic vocals elevate the drift of the tune ahead. Reflective lyrics inspire listeners to take a seat again and take all of it in. The upbeat pace over again in “Hell ‘n’ Again” is shifting, although I used to be hoping for a extra prolonged guitar solo on the finish.
The sophomore effort from Kings of Mercia hits the entire proper notes. Its heavier guitars, blended with Overland’s easy AOR undertones, create a really perfect stability. The album feels extra entire, because the duo obviously had a extra outlined imaginative and prescient for his or her sound and composition this time round. Overland’s vocals appear extra upbeat, whilst Jim Matheos’ remarkable guitar enjoying is on complete show in each observe, that includes well-crafted rhythms and guitar-driven riffs.
Whilst “Struggle Scars” is probably not groundbreaking, this is a testomony to the inventive imaginative and prescient of those two musicians. The album provides a refreshing departure from their convenience zones and is bound to thrill maximum rock lovers. I extremely counsel it, simply as I did their debut.
Written through: DJ
Rankings: 8/10
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