King Kraken
March of the Gods
Self Released
Valhalla wouldn’t be able to contain these boys so best of luck to yer speakers because this is NOT a battle they’re gonna win. Wales’ finest King Kraken demand to be played louder than war. Partly because that’s what it feels like they’ll wage if ‘March of the Gods’ isn’t given the volume it deserves, but mainly because this album is bloody spectacular. The hardest of rock, the swaggeriest of swaggers, the heaviest of riffs, a drumkit pummelled to within an inch of its life, and hefty doses of doom. The guitar solos hit the spot (‘Berserker’), the lyrical story telling is a joy (‘El Giganto’, ‘Chainsaw Saviour’) and opening song ‘Scream’ has no business being such an awesome bombardment of classic rock just seconds in. ‘Hero’ is a heartfelt track that could be sung through tears. Sadly we’ve all felt loss like this. Happily this song reminds us we’re not alone. Poignantly placed in the middle of the album this is so much more than a song. ‘March of the Gods’ is the band’s second album, which seems bonkers. It’s soooooo well written, performed and produced it feels like they’ve been around forever, showing Iron Maiden and pals how it’s done. March on boys. All the way to the top.
Review by Jo Wright