Kingdom of Sorrow – Behind The Blackest Tears

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This side project from Crowbar leader Kirk Windstein and Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta focuses a lot less on the different types of out-and-out aggression their parent bands deal in and give both men a chance to try something a little more considered (although Windstein gets his southern fix in Down). More so than the first album, Behind The Blackest Tears is the faster Crowbar riffs with a more accessible Jasta. Not quite as southern as Down, and not as sludgy as Crowbar, the riffs still have a groove that is unmistakably Windstein. The vocals are shared throughout the disc and it’s surprising how well they compliment each other. Of course there are no ballads to be found here, but the overall feel is a more melodic one than fans of Crowbar or Hatebreed will be used to. As on the first album the pair explore the groovier side of heavy music, and to great effect. The riffs here are towering and the songs are much stronger than the debut. Along The Path To Ruin does borrow a little of Down’s feel (no bad thing), while Salvation Denied is reminiscent of Pantera‘s more direct tracks, but overall this disc fits the separate identity Kingdom of Sorrow have tried to create for themselves. Very heavy, very aggressive, but with layers of sludgy groove and melody.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2010, Albums, Quick.Play Reviews, Southern, Stoner, Kingdom of Sorrow