Kings of Mercia
Kings of Mercia – Metal Blade Records
With Jim Matheos writing the music and Steve Orland behind the lyrics, combining their talents with no initial idea of direction it may go, created what has become the self titled debut album that is Kings of Mercia. What has resulted is an easy listening melodic hard rock album with all the stylings of AOR. Opening with ‘Wrecking Ball’ consisting of bluesy vocals from Orland, a catchy hook and hearty guitar solos. The next offering goes in another direction with ‘Human Kind’. Orland’s soulful vocal harmonies team well with the song’s poignant subject matter and Matheos’ passionately led solos. ‘Set The World on Fire’ is one of the heavier tracks opening with thundering drums and shredding guitars throughout. Each song brings something different to the table keeping the listener on their toes. The tone drops with ‘Too Far Gone’ with smooth and almost angelic vocals and harmonies with soft instrumentals. Finally ‘Your Life’ starts with a light sprinkling of keyboards then heavy guitars, deep vocals and hopeful and emotive lyrics. This album is a perfectly executed example of melodic hard rock, each song with a different subject matter each having something to say. A familiar sound but with their own branding which is enough to still make it sound fresh.
Review by Aggy Gillon