– September seventeenth, 2024 –
Second Single from their Upcoming Sophomore Album
‘Battle Scars’ Out October twenty fifth by way of Metallic Blade Information – Pre-Order HERE
Photograph by: Simon Ward & Jeremy Saffer
At this time, KINGS OF MERCIA shares the second single from their new album, out October twenty fifth by way of Metallic Blade Information. The observe is entitled “Aftermath” and it has a brand new music video – watch HERE.
“Aftermath” is “very darkish,” vocalist Steve Overland feedback. “It’s about what can be left behind in the long run. What can be left on the planet. It’s a really darkish observe and really darkish material.“
“I nearly didn’t ship this one to Steve, and once I did I used to be sure he wouldn’t prefer it,” says guitarist Jim Matheos. “I’m glad I did although, because it’s certainly one of my favorites on the album now. It’s fairly completely different for us and I believe Steve actually shines on this one.”
From time to time, artwork affords up the right storm. When artistic worlds collide with a livid cacophony of energy, licks, and lyrics, magic occurs. Such is the case with KINGS OF MERCIA, whose second album, ‘Battle Scars,’ is the continuation of a narrative as unlikely as it’s wonderful. The band is helmed by guitarist Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and singer Steve Overland (FM) who’re joined by drummer Simon Phillips (The Who, Toto) and bassist Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning).
Watch the Music Video for “Aftermath” HERE.
KINGS OF MERCIA‘s 2022 approachable, world-class self-titled debut was termed “actually a hybrid: it’s heavy, however not metallic. It’s bought tones of melodic AOR exhausting rock however with an edge.” Now, 2024 brings the band’s sophomore album written and recorded all through 2023, ‘Battle Scars‘ sees the core writing staff of Matheos and Overland increasing on their apparent chemistry.
“I believe it was a bit simpler this time round as a result of we’ve established working rhythm,” states Matheos, “I’ll ship Steve at the least just a few songs each couple of months, and I attempt to preserve them assorted. This permits him to work on whichever ones he feels strongly about.“
“What Jim sends me is the primary draft of that tune,” says Overland. “So as soon as he’s heard all of the melodies and the harmonies I sing, he can chop it about and make it how he thinks it ought to be. He at all times sends me three or 4 completely different variations. He’ll say, ‘What do you suppose? Which do you want?’ Then we work it out between us and give you the one we’re each proud of.”
“Steve and I began working collectively in 2021,” says Matheos. “I used to be conscious of FM-they got here up across the similar time as Fates Warning – however I’d misplaced contact with them and wasn’t aware of their more moderen work. When Steve was really helpful to me, I checked out among the newer releases and felt Steve was precisely what I used to be in search of.”
“It’s a special style of music that I’m usually concerned in,” says Overland, whose voice has been likened to different British greats Paul Rodgers and Glenn Hughes. “Clearly, I’d heard of Fates Warning – they’re a really large cult band of their area. Jim and I touched base, and I informed him to ship me one backing observe. If it sounds nice, then it’s a win-win. If it doesn’t, we’ll simply name it a day, knock it on the pinnacle, not take it any additional. That tune turned ‘Humankind’ from the primary album. I wrote the melodies and the title and put all of it collectively. Jim bought it and he was blown away. So we made a pair extra. I beloved doing it. It was simply such a special problem for me.”
These songs would change into the self-titled debut album, which was launched in 2022. Written throughout lockdown, bouncing tracks throughout the Atlantic, KINGS OF MERCIA discovered its mojo. Followers of Fates Warning, FM, and Armored Saint all rejoiced on the widespread floor on KINGS OF MERCIA, the candy spot in the midst of the Venn diagram.
It’s a real collaboration that has led to KOM‘s ‘Battle Scars.’ Nonetheless, regardless of the unfolding sound and clear chemistry between the 4 Kings, Overland has by no means met his bandmates in particular person. ‘Battle Scars,’ like its predecessor, is a slab of transatlantic magic.
Pre-Order ‘Battle Scars‘ HERE.
‘Battle Scars‘ Observe Listing:
01. Weapons and Ammunition
02. Eye for an Eye
03. Between Two Worlds
04. Legend
05. Battle Scars
06. Don’t Ask
07. Aftermath
08. Hell ‘n’ Again
09. Chilly
10. Angels & Demons
Watch the Music Video for First Single “Don’t Ask” HERE.
KINGS OF MERCIA are:
Jim Matheos – Guitars
Steve Overland – Vocals
Simon Phillips – Drums
Joey Vera – Bass
KINGS OF MERCIA ONLINE
https://www.metalblade.com/kingsofmercia
https://www.fb.com/KingsofMercia
