New Music Review: KINGS NEVER DIE ‘The Life & Times’

KINGS NEVER DIE 'The Life & Times' - Cover Photo

Rating: 9 / 10 Stars

KINGS NEVER DIE is: Dylan Gadino (vocals), Dan Nastasi (guitar/add vocals), Danny Schuler (drums), Larry Nieroda (guitar), Evan Ivkovich (bass)

REVIEW – Due out on October 25th, via Metalville, ‘The Life & Times’ sees KINGS NEVER DIE pushing the boundaries of their hardcore punk-metal fusion. Packed with raw energy, catchy riffs, and gritty vocals, the album is a fiery tribute to the band’s signature sound that blends punk attitude with hard-hitting metal intensity. From anthemic hooks to thundering rhythms, this release promises to keep listeners headbanging from start to finish.

The album kicks off with the title track, “The Life & Times,” a relentless anthem that immediately grips listeners with its fast-paced aggression. The blend of powerful vocals and fist-pumping rhythms makes this an ideal opener. The punk-infused “Bigger They Come, Harder They Fall” switches things up with a surf rock vibe, adding a twist to the band’s typically heavy sound while keeping the energy high.

Moving into “Never Let Go,” the band delivers crunchy riffs, a pounding rhythm section, and vocals that drip with passion and angst. This track, alongside “Empathy,” draws the listener deeper into the emotional core of the album. “Empathy” particularly stands out with its darker tone, conjuring a sense of introspection amid the chaos.

Tracks like “Can I Get a Witness” and “Underdog” bring back the slam-worthy aggression, with the former hitting the pit with its thrashing energy and the latter fusing hardcore punk and metal influences into an explosive track. “Kill the Cowards” takes things up another notch, delivering a sonic punch that hits hard and fast, making it an instant crowd favorite.

In the latter half of the album, “War & Youth” emerges as an anthem for rebellion, with its anthemic guitar riffs and air-guitar-worthy moments. “The Rights” continues the punk-hardcore onslaught, keeping the intensity alive. As the album draws to a close, “Slow Crawl” introduces a slightly more restrained yet ominous vibe, pulling listeners into a slower yet still powerful groove, only to end with the fast-paced rumble of “If God is Dead.” The final track brings the energy full circle, leaving listeners with a lasting sense of the band’s uncompromising sound.

KINGS NEVER DIE delivers a high-energy and emotionally charged experience with ‘The Life & Times’. Combining punk attitude with metal aggression, the band creates a fierce and powerful record that will resonate with fans of both genres. The album’s balance of melodic hooks and raw intensity makes it a standout release for 2024, continuing to push the limits of punk-metal fusion.