Kingcrow
The Persistence


4.0
excellent

Review

by OmairSh USER (35 Reviews)
May 26th, 2020 | 27 replies


Release Date: 2018 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Ominous moods, lush atmospheres, and controlled chaos; Kingcrow's latest album shows a band's musical maturation and a possible sign of things to come

Kingcrow is a band that has been present for a surprisingly long time (circa 1996) considering they’ve recently experienced a growth in stature in the prog world, with this being their seventh release. The band works really well as a unit, and apart from bassist Riccardo Nifosì, the band has been performing together for several albums now. Riccardo aptly supports the compositions on the album, even if he doesn’t really veer too far outside the comfort zone. His contributions may increase on future albums as he begins to get more comfortable in the band.

The normal primary driving force behind Kingcrow is the dual guitar attack of Diego Cafolla & Ivan Nastasi, and on The Persistence they continue their trend of providing us with an array of sumptuous guitar tones ranging from raw distorted tones, to crisp cleans and leads. The polished production diminishes the sharpness of their tones slightly, which does them a disservice because I believe the uninhibited chunky guitar tones are the largest assets of predecessor album Eidos. The guitar pair also seem to intentionally limit and streamline their playing in order to service the songs, which also seems to be the sentiment from every member, so it’s no accident. There are a handful of great heavy riffs like on lead single “Father” and the multifaceted “Closer”, while catchy lead melodies and solos are sprinkled on the record as evident on “Night's Descending” (featuring Daniel Gildenlow from Pain of Salvation), which has to be one of the best tracks on here with its mellow verses being juxtaposed by the crushing chorus in sublime fashion. There are also flourishes of melodic guitar work and embellishments throughout the album, however the majority of the guitar playing does seem to deliberately have been restricted for this album. The duo aren’t as adventurous here as compared to previous albums and this is a decision that has consequently held this record back from being even better.

This album traverses Atmospheric/Art Rock territory and is much more moody in comparison with Eidos. The keyboard presence is much more emphasised throughout the album. Even during the more aggressive sections you can either hear an atmospheric keyboard patch underneath the riffs, while other times it’s immersing you into the somber atmosphere as on “Every Broken Piece of Me” and “Perfectly Imperfect”, or adding electronic elements as displayed on “Everything Goes.” The array of sonic textures explored is lush, sounding modern yet warm, which this albums proves is a satiating balance. Drummer Thundra Cafolla lays a concrete foundation for the compositions; always accompanying the music with the necessary rhythm and tempo, whether it be a driving technical drum pattern, or a simple groove oriented beat. He always seems in harmony with the music, and blends in almost seamlessly.

One person that definitely didn’t hold back on this album is vocalist Diego Marchesi, with this is arguably being his most mature performance to date. Alongside keyboardist Cristian Della Polla, he seems to be the prime beneficiary of the band’s songwriting direction on The Persistence. He delivers his lyrics in an emphatic manner, at times almost whispering the words while at other times intensely belting. The album provides him the ideal platform to explore his vocal phrasing as well as harmonies and layering techniques, which he has taken complete advantage of, and I wholeheartedly welcome it. Hopefully he continues this trend on future albums.

The Persistence is certainly more risk averse than previous outings, however this change in direction for the band further cements them in the Art/Prog Rock hemisphere alongside bands like Riverside, Anathema, Porcupine Tree, Katatonia, etc. This isn’t bad company to be among, but thats what makes it harder to remain inventive and distinguish oneself from the pack. However Kingcrow has a talented group of songwriters at the helm and they can only continue to refine their abilities from here on, thus I look forward to see which trajectory the music of these Italian gents takes next.

Recommended Tracks
1. Folding Paper Dreams
2. Closer
3. Night's Descending
4. The Persistence



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user ratings (58)
3.8
excellent

Comments:Add a Comment 
OmairSh
May 26th 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

1. Father: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fRRpLPnHRQ



2. The Persistence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tViMPqYJjMw





So I've been re-listening to this after a while and enjoying it. Thought it needed a review. And now there's a place to write lyricss

Willie
Moderator
May 26th 2020


20295 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

This is the first album from them that I listened to, and it is awesome. Great review.

OmairSh
May 26th 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Thanks Willie!



Its a bit watered down compared to Eidos, but its still a really good album for sure. Very moody. The guitarists are so good. I think the guys are working on a follow up



Edit: I messaged the band on FB, no plans for a release in the near future

Beardog
May 27th 2020


5365 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Okay guess I have to check this



Edit: while this has very cool sections, it mostly just feels like a copy-paste of popular modern prog bands. It's not bad music, but I feel like I have heard this record a million times before

e210013
May 27th 2020


5548 Comments


It seems to me an interesting album. I put it in my list. Nice review. Pos.

Willie
Moderator
May 27th 2020


20295 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

--Its a bit watered down compared to Eidos,--



I need to give that one more time. Whenever I want to listen to this band I always throw this one on.

OmairSh
May 27th 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

@Beardog: yeah it's nothing revolutionary but still enjoyable. Their previous album Eidos is more adventurous and quirky. The guitarwork on that is top notch



@e210013: Thanks man! I think you'd enjoy it, Eidos is even better imo



@Willie: Eidos feels more like old school Pain of Salvation and Leprous to me, lots of stuff happening, I think that keeps it interesting

Willie
Moderator
May 27th 2020


20295 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

We'll see if it gets any better for me then, because I started with this one and I really like the dark, moody, vibe.

Observer
Emeritus
May 27th 2020


9420 Comments


Nice man! just saw this review. Ive enjoyed what ive heard so far.

OmairSh
May 28th 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Thanks dude! It's nothing revolutionary but it's still an enjoyable listen



New track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epmSmgKnLQo

Mythodea
May 28th 2020


7457 Comments


I've been spinning it since yesterday. All the right components are there, so I expect them to click sometime soon. Album started way more energetic than it followed out to be. Probably after listening to Eidos, I'ma agree with OmairSh that it's better.

Also, the fuzzy bassline on Closer sounds so much like Riverside. Some of the influences are worn on the sleeve, but I don't mind. Great polyrhythmic part on a song, I can't remember now which. But the whole atmosphere and production is great.

Observer
Emeritus
May 30th 2020


9420 Comments


jamming this again finally

OmairSh
May 31st 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

@Myth: Yeah it took a while to grow on me. It's minimalistic compared to Eidos, but the mood is great like you said. Probably a 3.8 for me.



@Observer: Woot wooot. By the looks of it you enjoyed it a decent amount

Observer
Emeritus
May 31st 2020


9420 Comments


Yeah, currently my 2nd fav from them but Eidos is def their pinnacle.

OmairSh
June 3rd 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Yeah I was really hoping they'd expand on that style. This felt like a step back almost. Still enjoyable, but not to the band's full potential



Curious to see where they go next. That single they released ad some electronic bits

OmairSh
August 26th 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Night's Descending is perfection. That chorus is ridiculous. Such a dark mood

bloc
September 11th 2020


70678 Comments


Wow this is amazing

OmairSh
November 6th 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Liking this eh. Great atmosphere and melodies. Wish they were working on a new album

Space Jester
November 6th 2020


11243 Comments


Are these guys like actually interesting prog metal or are they like slow “atmospheric” faux-prog

OmairSh
November 6th 2020


17730 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

This album is more atmospheric "faux-prog", but Eidos is more hard prog rock with lots of tasty guitar playing. That one's definitely worth a check



I'd rec you listen to "Closer" off this, that'll give you a good idea of the album sound



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