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KINGS OF DUST
"Kings of Dust" (Shock Records; 2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
This self-titled album by Kings of Dust is a solid chunk of classic hard rock. Throughout, it reminded me of Deep Purple, Rainbow and, strangely enough, sometimes Lynyrd Skynyrd. That's a good thing, I love those bands, but Kings of Dust also sounds likes Kings of Dust. That's also a good thing too because, if they didn't, what's the point?
With its razor-sharp guitars, driving rhythm section and the piercing vocals, "Kings of Dust" rocks hard from track to track, taking only one real moment to really slow down on the short but sweet "By You," which is really just an intro to the simmering seven-and-a-half-minute epic, "Mama." Speaking of "Mama," that track is one of the album's highlights, a long, mid-paced rocker with emotional vocals and a scorching atmosphere.
There isn't a track on this CD that doesn't work although, obviously, some tracks work better than others. My favorites were the above-mentioned "Mama," the blistering almost-instrumental "A Little Bit of Insanity for JEL" and the darkened "The Devil Made Me Do It."
But, as I said, there isn't a track here that I didn't like. And there are thirteen of them (so you get your full money's worth).
I would recommend Kings of Dust to any classic hard rock fan and I look forward to hearing more from this awesome band.
Kings of Dust: Michael Thomas Beck, Lead vocals; Ryan McKay, Lead Guitars, Backing vocals; Greg Chaisson, Bass, Backing vocals; Jimi Taft, Drums, percussion, backing vocals.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/KingsOfDust/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2020 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
