"Save Me" starts with a guitar riff that positively screams. The rhythm of this piece is headbanging material all the way. The rest of the band falls into place behind that killer guitar and the vocals in this track are rather diverse, coupling rock with a bit of rap. Kent pulls it off exceedingly well. "Save Me" is a wonderful creation of various different influences such as Soundgarden and perhaps a touch of Pantera.

"Killing Time" gives us a dose of some serious funk. This piece leaves the listener with no doubt whatsoever that Riot Kings mean business. Crossing multiple genres, "Killing Time" graces us with funk, punk, and rock'n'roll. The instrumentation is phenomenal, the vibe is brazen and bold, and the listener gets a very clear idea that this is a band capable of transcending musical boundaries.

"Killing Time" fades out slowly and takes us gently into "The Past", which features some fantastic piano work. The listener may be lulled into a false sense of reverie, perhaps thinking that this is going to be a love song, or maybe a slow ballad. Nope. "The Past" is just as hard as the rest of them, and now the bass player gets to show what he's made of. The bass line is what carries this tune and Faith No More comes to mind, especially when the vocals kick in and Kent belts out his lyrics with a Mike Patton-esque delivery. The distortion used on the vocals adds a twisted touch to this song that is perfect.

Moving right along, "Hypocrisy" begins with a synthesizer and a spacey sort of riff that is a new twist on this journey. They quickly revert back to the norm of heavy guitar, strong vocals, and tight musicianship all around. However, while this piece isn't that different from the rest of the album, there is certainly a darker vibe to this track and Kent's vocals bring to mind Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge. He really expands his range in this song and the listener may have more appreciation for what a fantastic job this band does to deliver their music to the masses.

"Holy Christian Bible Rocket" is another Funk Rock number that gets the feet tapping and the head banging. It starts off with out-of-this-world sound effects before Kent steps in with his unique way of delivering rock music with a rap touch. He can scream one minute and rap the next and he does both equally well. "Lift Off" is a continuation of "Holy Christian Bible Rocket". There is funk to this track as well, more so than any of the other tracks, and Riot Kings once more prove that their diversity and talent is unmatched. "Lift Off" is an extremely short tune and it is the perfect compliment to the preceding track.

"Guillotine" begins with sound effects suggesting Nine Inch Nails, but that is where any semblance ends. Once the music starts and Kent begins to sing, the vibe is punk all the way, but there seems to be a slight Metallica influence in the guitar work. Riot Kings have mastered the art of combining so many different genres and influences that punk coupled with Metallica should surprise no one, although it should make listeners aware of the sheer breadth of talent that this quartet possesses. "Guillotine" is an excellent example of the culmination of the musical experience that is evident within this band.

Riot Kings obviously have the talent, skills and experience to go far with their artistic endeavors. Not a band that is easily overlooked or forgotten, they will be around for quite some time, keeping the rockers of the world happy.

- Review by Rhonda Readence

1. Death Valley
2. Save Me
3. Killing Time
4. The Past
5. Hypocrisy
6. Holy Christian Bible Rocket
7. Lift-Off
8. Guillotine

Listen to: the entire album.

Release date: 7/4/2012
Riot Kings lives in Connecticut USA

Tagged as: Hard Rock, Metal

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