Album Review: Channel Zero - 'Kill All Kings'

Channel Zero have been well known and equally well-received in the metal scene for a long time. After calling it quits in 1997 they finally re-emerged with some fan persuasion in 2009. Now we are presented with sixth studio album, ‘Kill All Kings’ and it’s evident their time apart hasn’t hurt the band's ability to produce articulate music.

Starting with a burst of energy that is in no way lacklustre, 'Dark Passanger' is aggressive and highlights some solid guitar harmonies. Along with the urgent and angry vocals it proves a perfect opening moment that immediately allows things to move forward.

You'll soon find yourself singing along after a second listen. 'Kill All Kings' is catchy and infectious, with tracks like ‘Burn the Nation’ and ‘Mind Over Mechanics’ that have that typical and always welcome metal pace.

‘Ego’ is a totally mesmerising song. The track builds up, moving from slow hypnotic sounds, to some intense moments. The shift in vocals is seamless and on point and well-written. While this album makes no break throughs genre wise there is not denying it is polished and ideally produced.

There are a couple of noteworthy guitar solos throughout the album, which give that extra punch. ‘Crimson Collider’ provides emotional vocals whereas ‘Army of Bugs’ has a raspy vocal style that conveys the passionate and aggressive atmosphere of the full-length.

Ending on ‘Heart Stop’, again an emotionally charged song, albeit a bit slower and sadder this time, it adds that little pinch of diversity the record needed.

'Kill All Kings' is an emotional and energetic album. It follows the basic thrash conventions in many ways but it does it well. It's catchy, involved and holds songs that will be stuck in your head for days.

1. Dark Passenger
2. Electronic Cocaine
3. Burn The Nation
4. Digital Warfare
5. Ego
6. Crimson Collider
7. Kill All Kings
8. Brother's Keeper
9. Army Of Bugs
10. Mind Over Mechanics
11. Duisternis
12. Heart Stop