Since their rare independent debut album, “Anachronismr” has hit the rugged streets of Flint, Michigan. The urban founders of the ramshackle Rustbelt, known worldwide as King 810, have always divided the opinion of music critics. Their quirky nu-metal sound draws influence from a variety of sources; hip hop, metal hardcore and even industrial metal. The band’s unique style has cemented them as one of the most controversial bands in modern heavy music today. Despite the backlash they often receive for their controversial lyrical content, fans are passionate about their support for King 810 and often champion them as a breath of fresh air in an oversaturated modern metal genre. Founding members David Gunn and Eugene Gill have continuously pushed the boundaries since the start of their careers, unafraid to take risks that could potentially alienate some listeners but reward others who appreciate the eccentricity they bring. superbly on every outing.
I’ve been a fan of KING 810 since the release of their debut album. I was captivated by the heartbreaking and destructive energy of their music, but I felt like something was missing. Recently their latest EP ‘K5: follow my tears’ (produced by Josh Schroeder) made me believe that King 810 had finally found what was perhaps missing in the past – a sense of new purpose and bold direction . It feels like they’re back with a vengeance and moving in the right direction. The lyrics incorporated into this new EP still convey raw emotion, but with more conviction than before. There’s still an underlying hint of darkness in many of their tracks that makes them so compelling, but it feels different this time around; as it was designed to be entirely cathartic instead of becoming musically self-destructive.
The EP ‘K5: follow my tears’ wastes no time kicking your ass instantly, as the EP opens abruptly with the spine-crushing track “Brains on the Asphalt”. An amazing heavy hitter of a song that is sure to break your neck on the first listen! The middle track, “Holy War”, featured on the EP is quite intriguing, as it deftly pushes King 810 into more experimental territory than the band has reached in the past decade. “Holy War” still features the unruly psychotic ramblings of David Gunn, as his instrumentals casually conquer the grim reality of street life. The punchy drums and heavy guitar riffs that were well used in previous tracks may be missing from this one. But Gunn is still able to fully express himself with his poetic verbiage, as this approach will most likely have musical goosebumps forming on listeners’ arms. The chaotic jazz-induced track, “say cheese and die,” closes the EP perfectly with its sinister showcase. This powerhouse of a closer will undoubtedly leave die-hard King 810 fans immediately clamoring for new King 810 hardware for many years to come!
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