Customer Reviews

Kingdom of Sorrow

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What do you get when five metal heads get together to form to form Kingdom of Sorrow? More metal, but with a flavor from their respective origins. Their self-titled debut almost sounds like it could've come out of the catalogue of any one of the members' original bands, but there are subjective differences. Their influences include the likes of Black Sabbath, Pantera, Coors Light, and claim they sound like "an airplane filled with lead crashing into a barge filled with tar."

The band consists of Kirk Windstein of Down/Crowbar (vocals and guitar), Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed (vocals), Steve Gibb of ex-Black Label Society (guitar), Matthew Brunson (bass), and Derek Kerswill of Seemless/Unearth (drums). All origins are of the metal genre, and Kingdom of Sorrow is more of the same but with further intensity. Windstein and Jasta share vocal duties and aren't bad as a pair, where Jasta's vocals are savage and vigorous and Windstein's are deep and sludge-like. Being that Windstein probably laid down most of the guitar duties for this album, it's no surprise the riffs are very similar to those of both Down and Crowbar. The first track, "Hear This Prayer For Her," could have come directly off one of Down's albums - their latest, Down - Over The Under, is most comparable. Other songs such as "Led Into Demise" and "Lead The Ghosts Astray" are fairly unique in brutality. Fans of the members' respective origins: definitely look to get your hands on Kingdom of Sorrow. Everyone else: prepare to become a fan.

All fans of Jamey Jasta and Kirk Windstein have been patiently waiting for this album and they won't be disappointed. The mixing of the vocals is perfect and it is matched with excellent production quality...especially the mixing. Jasta's vocals are as pissed off as we've come to expect and Kirk adds just the right amount of variation to the songs. Great drumming, great lyrics, great album. I've been listening to heavy metal since 1983, and this album is the bomb. The breakdown at the end of Hear This Prayer For Her is ridiculous. There is no way to turn it up loud enough. Jasta's grunts are perfectly placed and make a great song perfect. The only thing keeping this album from being perfect is one slow song too many. No complaints, though....this is a fantastic album and you will love it. If you're in to this, buy Icepick and Down....two other side projects that absolutely rule.

I have never been into Hatebreed much. In fact I didn't even know the lead singer of Kingdom of Sorrow was from Hatebreed, so I didn't have any expectations. I might be criticized for saying this but Kingdom of Sorrow has a few elements that slightly remind me of Pantera...

Overall, a fantastic metal album that is in moderate rotation on my mp3 player. I would definitely recommend to others. A masterpiece it is not.

sounds like hatebreed vocals with crowbar music with a heavier twist.
"Buried in Black" and "Led Into Demise" are my faves. KoS has a thunderous sound.

What you have here are some killer riffs and that's the bottom line. The vocals are OK and the lyrics are very well done. But buy this record for the riffs and you'll be glad you did.

i think that a bunch of people thought that this collab would be more than it was meant to be.it doesn't suck by any streach,but i think that kirk and jasta weren't attempting to make any big waves with this.they stated on their myspace that it began as them basically getting sloshed and coming up with good metal riffs;it wasn't ever meant to be more than a solid metal record from a love of metal.i admit that i won't have it on constant rotation like the new down album,but you've gotta put this album into perspective.it's a good metal album that you can get down to,not an attempt at technical/lyrical greatness:it's a product made from a genuine love of metal.

This album is only ok. I don't like the 'melodic' aspect that they are trying to create. The musicianship is only fair and is pretty predictable. Definately not a terrible piece of work, but nothing to write home about.

So it isn't Hatebreed, but it's still the familiar voice. The riffs are strong, and as always the vocals are excellent. My problem is nothing really stands out....it's a solid record, just didn't grab me with the usuall agression that comes along with anything Jasta has done. I probably should have waited for the new live Skinlab CD...that should take care of my aggression needs.

Jamey Jasta and kurt from Down/Crowbar are amazing.This album crushes from the begginning till the end. I recommend this cd for any fans of hatebreed to crowbar.I can't stop listning to it

This cd was better than anticipated!!! Certainly not a Hatebreed-extention at all. Jamey does is again with this great project!!! Really dark and heavy yet positive. Jamey is great when it comes to lyrics--my fav tracks are With Unspoken Words and Screaming into the Sky.

The album's mix is most impressive. Kudos to Zeuss again to bring the best out of fresh new bands and projects!Very underground and raw-demo-like production that adds to the mood of the music.

This a great cd to listen to until new Hatebreed music is made. Hope to see these guys in concert---How about the NE metal and hardcore fest in April?