Kings of Decay are back with a tight and short EP that’s packed with energy and presence. Eponymous, the Kings of Decay EP is a listen that encapsulates the band’s solid musicianship and their timeless affection towards traditional, old school hard rock.
Based in Munich, Kings of Decay is a four-piece hard rock outfit whose music is a refreshing blend of the heady grunge of the 90s with the colorful and frizzy glam rock of the 80s. The band managed to bring forth this varied and exciting imaging using only 3 songs in this latest EP of theirs. Short, exciting, and packed, the band are delivering some uber-controlled chops and grooves on those 3 songs.
The band’s front section, composed of Stefan and Felix, on guitars and vocals, have been playing together in different projects for the better part of 2 decades, which shows in the songs, with a present sense of musicality. The intricate lines and riffs are orchestrated beautifully, serving one another and never fighting for the spotlight. A hallmark of a capable group of musicians. The first cut of the EP, ‘Turning Upside Down’, starts with a nuanced riff and a shuffling rhythm that puts on display the band’s affinity towards rock. The bass sounds full and juicy, the drums solid and supportive, both leaving plenty of space for the pair of guitars and for Stefan’s healthy growls.
‘Glorious Demise’ features some manic drums, looming bass riffs, and crunchy guitars. A song that would be at home of any of Queens of the Stone Age’s earlier records, ‘Glorious Demise’ is a pulling song with a bass riff that will keep you coming back for more. The EP ends with ‘Ride with Your Friends’. Melodic and sweet, this cut is the sweetest and most approachable of the trio of songs on the EP. Featuring group vocals and a shapeshifting arrangement that features even more delectable drumming, ‘Ride with Your Friends’ bookends the EP on a high note.
Kings of Decay’s EP is a short collection of songs that sound exquisite, with passion pouring from every strums. Whether it is the bluesy starter, the crazed middle kid, of the melodic tearjerker in the end, Kings of Decay are having a blast on each one of these songs, and it shows.
