King James - The Fall Special Collector's Edition

King James - The Fall Special Collector's Edition

Retroactive Records – 2010

Call 911, I need a fire truck quickly to put out the blazing inferno this CD caused on my stereo. Mind-blowing! King James creates metal like the inside of an active volcano, with guitar riffs shooting out with molten hot metal.

If you took Metallica at their best, Pantera and mixed it with Black Label Society then you'd have an accurate depiction of King James. Rex Carroll's guitar is absolutely phenomenal. Huge heavy riffs with bombastic, progressive drums and driving bass is how this band plays.

I've read comparisons online to the grunge sound of Seattle (I'm from the Emerald City) but that is all wrong. There's a little feel of Alice in Chains voice styling at times but a more accurate portrayal would be imagine if Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society talking about God, Jesus, judgment day and life in positive terms instead of booze and destruction.

"Heaven Is For Everyone" is the truth! King James comes spreading their gospel with bone crushing riffs, body shaking bass and killer drums. Jimi Bennett sings about how Heaven is near and if it's anything like this song, he's right. Rex Carroll lays out the keys to the kingdom with his bluesy lead guitar.

The guitar riff and drums strike "Borrowed Time" like an atomic bomb. Any comparative Christian metal is leveled to the ground with the force and conviction of this band's approach. The vocals by Bennett are pretty astounding considering how powerful the music is around his voice and he matches it.

The multi-voiced vocals (ala Alice in Chains) over the non-distorted guitar in "A Vision" sets the mood and is a great contrast with the squeal heavy riffs that follow. Jimi Bennett takes control of this beast of a song with both hands firmly on control of the wheel with his voice.

Part of the main riff in "The Calling" makes me recall "Harvester of Sorrow" by Metallica. The brutal slide guitar work is remarkable. The heavy guitar break tone about two and a half bites like the razor sharp teeth of a great white. Carroll let's his guitar speak the faith with utter conviction.

Carroll and the band kicks things into overdrive in "Pale Beyond The Door." Visually the music paints the picture of humanity fighting to survive against the blackness taking over the world. The main riff is absolutely electric. Imagine grabbing a hold of a live power line. The acoustic classical solo amongst the heavy artillery is overwhelming and prophetic. Somehow Rex Carroll is able to capture everlasting love, salvation with his beautiful expression.

Imagine Alice in Chains heavier with Rex Carroll's supercharged sound and you have "Spreading Of Love." Totally dig the little wah wah guitar voicing to with Bennett's vocals.

Carroll's guitar riffs in "Swing Of The Street" are extremely heavy and full of life. The guitar teams up with the drums to provide a two-pronged attack. Carroll's guitar sounds like a running chainsaw cutting through the track, while Bennett sings about Jesus saving. The purposeful drum beat against revving guitar reminds me a little how Vinnie Paul and his late brother Darrell went about things.

"Frenzy" has a great question, "What's up with society?" The slower big drum beat reminds me a little of Vinny Appice's work with Black Sabbath. Carroll makes his guitar sing and shout out big distortion chunks. His lead work is incredibly proficient and only adds to the meaning and song's vigor.

Bennett and Carroll's guitar work together as an incredible hook to attach you to "Never Is Forever." This song has a beautiful concept and elevates this to a better tune because of it's meaning.

The guitar intro to "The Fall" has a sprinkle of the indelible rich heritage that comes from being a Texas guitarist. There's a tiny glint of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dimebag Darrell and Billy Gibbons yet is undeniably Rex Carroll. The drummer (either Dave Greer or Michael Feighan both are credited on drums) creates a deep pocket groove for Bennett to speak out to the congregation of listeners. The softer guitar parts within this track standout against the other ripping guitar parts. What this song did for me was long for so much more as the song drifts away...

King James preaches the gospel of heavy metal according to their beliefs. While listening to this brilliant album I was converted, baptized into it. This review is my testimony to all of you to GET THIS CD. Trust me, it will rock your foundation, make your head bang and soon after you'll be spreading their doctrine.

When it comes to the bible of heavy metal King James has written a potent chapter in the good book. The Metal God has channeled his spirit through their music, spectacular playing and songwriting.

From top to bottom, I'd call The Fall one of the best heavy metal guitar CDs I've ever listened to.