Review | Kings Of Mercia – Battle Scars

Metal Blade Records

The second album from Kings of Mercia, `Battle Scars’, is a testament to the power of collaboration and creative synergy. This project, led by Jim Matheos of Fates Warning and Steve Overland of FM, showcases a remarkable blend of hard rock and melodic elements that defy easy categorization. The addition of drummer Simon Phillips and bassist Joey Vera further enriches the band’s sound, creating an album that is both powerful and nuanced in its core. It is rock at its finest!

A COMPELLING COLLECTION OF TRACKS

`Battle Scars’ is a compelling collection of tracks that highlight the band’s ability to weave intricate guitar work with emotive vocals. Heavy-ing up FM traditional melodic rockers, tracks like ,,Eye for an Eye” and ,,Hell ‘n Back” lean strongly on the melodies and hooks put in place keenly by Matheos, while Overland makes his vocal magic land on nesting vocal lines and nesting choruses. 

The songwriting partnership between Matheos and Overland is at the heart of this album’s success. Their process involves a fluid exchange of ideas, allowing each track to evolve organically. Especially Matheos’ wonderful rhythms and his innovative licks and themes blend into the mix, enhance tracks like the opening ,,Guns and Ammunition”, mark for brilliance. The heavier riffs and licks are blend with FM appeal on songs like the jagged riffed but highly melodic ,,Between two Worlds”,  

,,Don’t Ask” is the single release packing tremendous power. It features poignant lyrics and is marked an ‘angsty love song’ in the accompanying bio and scatters with its powerful groove and throbbing bass at the helm. Steered on its great guitar hook and the foundation Simon Phillips and Joey Vera put in place, the song hammers with a unique authenticity. Overland draws from his natural range while touching blues, comfortably belting out his trademark vocals like in his FM prime.

GREAT INTERPLAY AND SPIRIT

Bringing swinging grooves with an urging pulse and powerful Armored Saint reminiscent bass chops to the front, Vera and Phillips set ,,Legend” in motion. Sterling riffs and dropping hooks are parked atop the heavy funky foundation, with the melodic prowess unleashed on the daunting chorus, underlined by a reverting guitar melody. A potent blend of styles combusting the equally interesting ,,Cold”.

This great interplay and spirit are evident in all songs and especially on the title track ,,Battle Scars’’ which explores themes of post-war distress with emotional depth and sincerity. There’s ominous whelm ebbing in, with a gloomy guitar melody supporting Overland’s crooning vocals. Intensifying with subtle instrumentation added, the low-end bass drones in the songs dark melancholic gloom. It all keenly crafts into a gelling breakdown at the end, with harmonic vocals power set free.

Its horizons widened they unleash the even darker and more ominous ,,Aftermath” which incorporates Fates Warning prog texture with Vera’s droning low bass at the center, and lush dynamic drums right from the Toto playbook of the past. Gelling like crazy, the song displays the band’s intensity and melodic combustion. ,,Angels & Demons” is again more explorative before shooting into melodic gear. Colorful opened by Matheos’ intrinsic plucking, much like on his solo effort ,,First Impressions”, the song throws you off at first and reveals its constructive prowess as it evolves. The guitar solo is magnificent while the reverting alternation of (semi-acoustic) tone in the body of the track is adding to the pleasure. 

KINGS OF MERCIA – THE CONCLUSION

`Battle Scars’ is marked by a departure from conventional rock boundaries with the symbioses of Overland’s hoarse soulful vocals and AOR soothing melodies at the helm yet displaying an overall heavier direction that crystalizes their sound. Leaving behind the classic presentation that marked their debut, Matheos and Overland explore the sonic boundaries without compromising their identity. Jim’s electrifying guitar work combined with Overland’s incredible vocal delivery is a standout feature of Kings of Mercia and both musicians solidify their interaction, creating a collection of impeccable contemporary rock tracks with a unique mark of melody woven into its brisk heaviness.

Kings of Mercia’s `Battle Scar’ is a masterful album solidifying the band’s place in the rock landscape. It is an evolution from their debut, showcasing their growth as artists while maintaining the raw energy that first captured audiences’ attention. Blending ingredients from its participants it unites flavors and makes it grow on the listener from its maiden spin. For fans of classic hard rock looking for something both familiar and innovative, `Battle Scars’ is an essential addition your music collection.

Release date: 25 October 2024