Review Summary: Heavy metal Fleetwood Mac?
Bands like Royal Thunder are the kinds which remind people how unnecessary it can be to pigeonhole artists into specific genres when trying to explain how their music sounds, or what kind of fans will enjoy it the most. Since 2010, Atlanta’s Royal Thunder has managed to avoid a definitive categorisation to their music while simultaneously maintaining, and progressing, their own distinct sound which most fans still can't quite seem to define. Although they’re not quite metal, but accepted within that scene, they’re certainly rock. However, they also have a tinge of shady 80’s psychedelia and additionally stir some colourful 90’s alt-rock elements into the mix.
Released in 2012, their debut album,
“CVI”, was drenched in dynamic and gambolling rock ‘n’ roll potential and three years later,
"Crooked Doors" branched off into smoother, emotionally driven tracks that echoed a heightened sense of maturity in the band. Yet, this sophomore still built on the foundations of the energised elements retained from their debut. As a logical succession of
"Crooked Doors" , Royal Thunder’s continuous evolution comes in the shape of how their latest album,
”WICK” , is structured.
Travelling on a, seemingly, sequential journey through life’s trials,
”WICK” is mapped out over twelve songs that flicker between various emotions and experiences by way of soulful melodies and Mlny Parsonz’s emotive singing. Overall, the general sensation that
”WICK” radiates is acceptance; this feeling is established in a number of different moods and through various ways. Curiously, “Burning Tree” opens the album with a slow melody, sparking a relaxed rhythm. Gradually picking up the pace, the song expresses a more confident behaviour, which always materialises throughout the album. Confidence is felt during songs such as “Anchor” where an upbeat southern twang leads the song through lyrics that describe a stranded life, unable to seek out personal desires and move on from past experiences.
Conversely, sadness and melancholy are also presented in a manner that suggests although the past is history; feelings for past events are still deeply felt in the present. During “Push” and “The Well”, Josh Weaver and Will Fiore’s comforting, minimalistic riffs and melodies crop up infrequently that enhances the isolation in the sorrowful vocals. Although the former song steadily gains momentum, it is ultimately extinguished by the same shattering violins and piano that initially ignited the song. The unhurried pace of “April Showers” echoes a tragic kind of acceptance, which even features lyrics regarding suicide and feeling entirely lost and spiritless; contrary to the sultry solo and gentle drumming.
Another key reaction that
”WICK” radiates is anger. Without the glowing guitars, the looming bass and deep backing vocals in “Tied” actually sounds intense. You’ll never hear Royal Thunder play jagged, abrasive riffs, however, the brief distorted solo and fiery rhythm induce a tentative sense that emotions have reached boiling point. As mentioned,
”WICK” sounds like a sequential journey, and the kindling established on “Tied” starts smoking on the hazy, “We Slipped”, but really catches fire on its subsequent track, “The Sinking Chair”, as an animated Baroness riff spirals around Parsonz’s heated vocals. This is the closest moment Royal Thunder come to appearing volatile since their debut.
"Crooked Doors" was going to be a challenging act to follow. However, Royal Thunder has, once again, outdone themselves and crafted a dazzling, genre-bending rock album that appears to be their most empathetic and relatable work to date. In conclusion,
”WICK” maintains the high-quality song-writing that Royal Thunder is now celebrated for, resulting in a trendy and adventurous listen.
