Picked up in advance of their coming tour, and continuing our streak of grabbing a new album every week or so.
This is the first KSE album I’ve owned*, and likely the first I’ve listened to back to front as well. A few of their previous songs have filtered through, but nothing about the music has shone through, just a mild recognition of the (admittedly) awesome band name.
But if I was forced to name one KSE tune, even with the fate of humanity on the line, well, so long and thanks for all the fish.
But as for the album itself. it’s decent enough, though it runs together on a full or repeated lesson. The high points jump out, but get dragged back down by the rest. There’s little (to my ear) to distinguish it from a Linkin Park album, or any other early 2000s metalcore band.
After giving it the requisite review period**, standout tracks include I Believe (the first single) which blends in some melody while tempering the metalcore screams, and the opener Abandon Us which kicks things off with some suitable heavy chugging.
Overall, I like it, and I’ll give it a few more listens to see if it grows on me. If all I get out of it is a few standout singles, then fair enough. A lot of albums in the collection share a similar state.
*: apparently I have 2002’s Alive Or Just Breathing in the archives, but I think that was included in a pile of other stuff. I have no recollection of it.
**: two full listens through on the stick stereo in my 2011 VW Jetta. The ultimate testing ground.