KXM are back again with their third album since 2015. Comprising of George Lynch, Ray Luzier and Dug Pinnick, this band brings the heat on everything they do. Combining soul vocals with intense prog groove and addictive guitar riffs and solos. Much like Pinnick’s native King’s X. But the vocal harmonies aren’t quite as unique and there is an inexplicable difference between the two bands. Same formula, different process. But they’re both equally excellent if you ask me. And the new KXM album ‘Circle of Dolls’ is a top to bottom rocker of quality and strength.
It is a straight down record. Riff after riff, killer groove after killer groove. And of course, Dug Pinnick’s kick ass drop tuned bass tone. Not to mention the production of the album. It is absolutely top notch. Luzier’s drums sound like Hephaestus hammering steel in the heavens. Also, I’ve never George Lynch’s guitar sound so heavy. It’s not even close in some moments.
The album opens with the lead single ‘War of Words.’ An appropriate social commentary track about the United States’ current division. And right off the bat you know that these guys are here to make a statement. Both musically and socially. Because ‘War of Words’ boarders on thrash metal to be honest. It’s also one of the sickest guitar solos ever. It’s a hell of a way to open the album. ‘Mind Swamp’ is a dark and murky track that’s reminiscent of Soundgarden. Mixed between a catchy, amniotic guitar chord and a heavy as hell riff. Luzier keeps the groove going throughout the track which grounds it. Yet another amazing song from KXM. The title track ‘Circle of Dolls’ shows the blues end of the band. The swinging, shuffling song takes the listener on a sonic journey of pure delight. The vocal harmonies are tight on the chorus and the melodies burrow themselves in your brain. The album only gets better with the fourth song ‘Lightning.’ The trippy, groovy Prince inspired masterpiece digs and digs itself into your soul. And the jam element of the song serves it perfectly. Lynch’s echo riff is so tasty and Luzier’s drumming is meticulously placed.
‘Time Flies’ throws back to the gothic, independent rock from the early 80’s. Similar to early Cult, but of course, more progressive. But it also contains a poppy bounce that’s similar to The Cure. And again, the band displays strong vocal harmonies on the chorus. Lynch’s solo is just another example of what a great player he really is. ‘Twice’ is the most King’s X like track. Opening with amazing ‘Yeah’ vocal harmonies. It moves into a Ty Tabor feeling guitar melody. The song finishes with Dug Pinnick vocal passion. All in all another strong track. The first half of the album wraps up with ‘Big as the Sun.’ Which can arguably be called the strongest track yet on ‘Circle of Dolls.’ The swirling, heavy riff that earworms itself into your brain modulates into the funkiest groove on the album to this point. And George Lynch provides one of his most intense shred moments in his storied career.
This is only the first half of the album. And since it’s an hour plus of non stop excellence, I’ve decided to split the review into two parts. There’s just too much strong material to cover in one post. So stay tuned, Pt. 2 is coming up.
