A Feast For Kings
Hell On Earth
Album Review
progressive metalcore
release date: April 19, 2014
A Feast For Kings are the kings of anticipation. For the last couple years they have sparingly released singles that have left us all demanding an album release. So here we are, after a handful of track releases and a spectacular pop heavy cover of David Guetta's "Titanium" (here), we finally have "Hell On Earth". They teamed up with a young and ultra talented up and coming producer in Kevin Lankford (website), to mark a milestone in their young careers. This album will surely make AFFK a household name within the Christian metal/hardcore community. But unlike a lot of Christ centered bands, AFFK bring us a massive sound, that has rarely been heard, a side of progressive in todays metal that has yet to be explored.
AFFK kick off the album in high emotional gears with "React/Regret". It's heavy and brings an emotional feel that has power to grip the heart in each of us. Eric Gentry has a scream that is easily understandable, which has its own power, with being able to understand the lyrics and the screaming fight of temptation. He fiercely cuts through his verses; "I have been a filthy man my whole life, a slave to the weakness in my mind, consumed by the ways of this world..." he screams with truth. About a third of the way through, the heavy grooves come to a halt, and Seth Weigand eases in gracefully, and swoops us away with a hand in hand walk with temptation. His part along with the switch in musical style bring such power, and then Eric ends it with the power of overcoming that temptress! "I will not be a victim of deceit, I've heard her voice before, and I refuse to let her scar my faith!"
The beat kicks in and "Idée Fixe" has launched. Eric screams off in a tangent with words of addictions and the man that he has become. Seth comes in singing with promises of that "one last time" moment that we fail to overcome. Eric's second part screams of the power of God that he desires more than the high's he has become a slave to. Behind the lyrics of addiction is a battle song for each of us with whatever we are struggling with and coming to realization that God is always there and ready to overcome anything.
Separation is a heavy hitting song, leaving Seth's signature clean vocals behind. They deliver an eerie atmospheric story of a broken home and being left behind to be the man of the household at a young age. This is definitely a song that will have potential to reach ears a cross all denominations and backgrounds, with divorce affecting home after home. AFFK slow down the pace musically, to let the message hit and relate to you. A heated debate can be heard faintly in the background between a man and a woman until Eric blasts back in with his demanding presence finishing off in appropriate fashion.
Soft instrumentation and Seth's familiar voice ease us into "Brittle Spirit". Ever feel your words fall on the ground with out ever being heard? Ever feel alone, unheard, and broken? Then blast this song loud. Some...one... will hear you. AFFK bring a beauty with their delivery. You must know, when things are dark and heavy, they won't stay that way for long! And that is exactly what AFFK explain in this song; when your down and out, God's hand is there for your reaching, to pull you out, and bear the weight of your pain. How AFFK manages to incorporate that musically, is a thing of beauty.
AFFK bring in Jake Antony of The Earth Laid Bare to help push the message in "Consequence". This track kicks off with aggression, and does not give up. Screams of anger and inner turmoil fill the speakers. It's a message that is so familiar in the music scene today. It's a message that is openly accepted. But not many bands, even in the Christian realm of music, share a message of a loving light that will free that anger. Never fear, AFFK is here, and with another powerful song so relatable to the listeners ears. "Please God be the freedom in me!" Eric screams desperately, and off we go on a ride that ends this track in an atmospheric way that would seem fit on a Periphery or Intervals record. Going from dark and heavy, to the light and beauty of His power. Yet again AFFK tell the story of overcoming and forgiveness with their musicianship.
"Living Deceased" is the last track on the EP, and it comes too soon. AFFK leave us with a pretty straight forward song of encouragement, to strive for our dreams, to not be afraid of making mistakes when we are following what we desire. Seth is back again to bless us with his vocal touch, teaching us to not give in to negativity and pursue your dreams.
Lyrically I have touched just a glimpse of what this record is about. But one word that AFFK wants to leave you with is "overcome". Each song is about overcoming temptation, addiction, anger, etc.. through Christ. A lot of bands today try way to hard to be so intellectual and profound in their message that a lot of times you end up having no clue what the heck they are saying, even if their message is simple. A Feast For Kings keep the lyrics relatable and real on a personal level, and that brings magnitudes of power, to reach not just your heart strings to your emotions, but your soul.
Instrumentally this EP is fresher than your local produce store (please laugh). In an age where everyone wants to label every band they come a cross, AFFK stand alone with this release. Hell On Earth grooves hard, and can hang with the best in the latest "Djent" crazed movement. It has radio rock friendly moments, and breakdowns for the underground. There are moments of emotion and smooth atmosphere. The solos and leads are unique, and are of a different brand that you do not hear much in todays heavy music. It's fresh, and it's a huge tool in bringing that switch up action that I explained earlier on, that AFFK are so good at. And of course they perfectly mesh unclean and clean vocals, in an extremely different way than how you would typically hear other bands use them. Both the vocalists have such great presence and delivery. The drummer is doing something right when your unexpectedly tapping random body parts and near objects to the beat of the song. And if you have a decent system, listen to this album loud, the bass is deep and isn't to be overlooked or over listened. It's a perfect medium to blend all the styles that come into play. Kevin Lankford brought out the best in this talented group of musicians, and the outcome is a real musical object of art, beauty, and rare versatility. A Feast For Kings are meant to last, they are not here to blend in with the latest phase in music, but stick out above the rest, to be different, and give the world a fresh sound with a message of true hope.
5/5
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