Photograph courtesy of Kalamity Kills
We spoke with Kalamity Kills‘ Jamie Rowe in regards to the undertaking’s self-titled, debut album, out now.
“This album is every thing I couldn’t say for years,” he explains in regards to the file. “I’ve been within the Christian music world, and there are belongings you simply can’t speak about … the actual struggles, the hypocrisy, the doubt. This file is me lastly being sincere about all of it. It’s nonetheless coming from a spot of religion, however it’s religion that’s been by means of hell and again.”
Anthem: This one’s about standing your floor when every thing round you is falling aside. I wrote it throughout a very darkish time after I felt just like the world was hostile to every thing I believed. It’s about discovering that interior power when worry and temptation are pulling at you from each path. Ray Luzier got here in and simply destroyed the drums on this one—gave it this crushing depth that completely captures that feeling of refusing to again down.
Dearest Enemy (Strain): I used to be so sick of keyboard warriors and individuals who tear others down simply to construct themselves up. This music is me saying “get behind me” to all of the faux stress to adapt and be one thing you’re not. It’s quick; it’s indignant, and it’s aimed straight on the manipulators and critics who assume they know higher. Ray killed it on drums once more—This music wanted that ferocious power.
What’s On Your Thoughts? (Pure Vitality): We took Info Society’s ’80s synth-pop hit and fully reimagined it as a tough rock anthem. Kiarely Castillo from Conquer Divide introduced this fierce power to it. We saved the spirit of the unique however gave it tooth. Generally you simply wish to take one thing you’re keen on and make it your individual.
Darkish Secrets and techniques: That is most likely my private favourite on the album. It’s about these battles we combat that no person else can see—the loneliness, the hidden struggles, the issues we’re ashamed of. Jamey’s guitar solo on this one is devastating, and Ray’s drumming provides these emotional layers that simply hit you within the chest. It’s susceptible however nonetheless heavy as hell.
The Chemistry of Meant to Be: I wished to write down a love music that didn’t make me cringe. That is about that on the spot connection you’re feeling with somebody—when every thing simply clicks and feels inevitable. It grew to become our first single to hit the MediaBase Energetic Rock chart, which proved you’ll be able to nonetheless write about love and preserve it heavy. Jamey’s riffs are insane on this one.
A.L.I.E.N.: This music looks like a message from one other world. It’s about being a light-weight within the darkness, being one thing not of this earth that’s right here to light up the skies. The electro parts combined with the heavy guitars create this cosmic ambiance. The decision-and-response vocals make it excellent for stay exhibits and folks simply lose their minds in the course of the “whoa oh” components.
Hellfire Honey: This one’s acquired a depraved humorousness. It’s aimed squarely at spiritual hypocrisy—particularly individuals who publicly condemn issues like OnlyFans whereas secretly funding them. I’ve seen an excessive amount of of this double-standard habits in spiritual circles. Ace Von Johnson from LA Weapons laid down this gritty, sleazy solo that’s excellent for the music’s swagger. Greg Upchurch’s drumming offers it this soiled rock basis.
Burn: That is most likely probably the most private music on the file. It’s me trying within the mirror in any respect the wreckage I’ve brought on by means of my very own self-destructive selections. It’s about that second while you understand the one approach ahead is to burn every thing down and begin over. The lyrics are brutal … It’s me wrestling with remorse and the eager for redemption. It’s heavy emotionally and musically.
Sinners Welcome: I wrote this from my expertise within the Christian rock world, the place I noticed how fast some individuals are to evaluate whereas claiming to talk for God. The music challenges the concept that anybody apart from God will get to resolve who’s “worthy.” It’s rebellious and redemptive on the identical time. I’m proudly owning my flaws whereas celebrating that everybody’s welcome on the desk.
Being damaged doesn’t make you deserted … It makes you human.
I Nonetheless Imagine: We took The Misplaced Boys anthem and turned it into this huge exhausting rock declaration. Greg Upchurch’s drumming on that is towering … It’s develop into a fan favourite and introduced in lots of new listeners. We captured the hope and resilience of the unique however gave it this fierce trendy power. No shirtless saxophone participant, however we made up for it with pure quantity.
Amen: In spite of everything that depth, I wished to finish the album on a peaceable observe. This music got here from my dedication to training gratitude, discovering gentle after darkness. The refrain simply repeats “Amen”… It’s about acceptance and appreciation for the journey. It’s stripped-back and heartfelt, giving listeners a second of stillness after every thing that got here earlier than.
Expanded Version Tracks
Afraid: This one’s about breaking free from each chain that holds you again … societal stress, private fears, emotional baggage. I used to be sick of residing scared, sick of letting different folks’s expectations dictate my selections. Traces like, “We don’t bow to the throne of enemies,” and, “A fort doesn’t make you a king,” sum up the entire perspective. Ray Luzier’s drumming is thunderous on this one, and Julia Lauren Bullock’s harmonies carry this contemporary depth. It’s about residing defiantly fearless, it doesn’t matter what the chances are.
Starry Skies (988): That is most likely crucial music I’ve ever written. It got here from my very own battles with melancholy and suicidal ideas … These darkish moments when you’ll be able to’t see any approach out. The 988 within the title refers back to the suicide prevention hotline. I wished to create one thing that would attain folks in that headspace and remind them they’re not alone. Aaron Gillespie from Underøath introduced this unimaginable emotional depth to the drums and vocals. Once I sing, “You’ve survived 100% of the trials you’ve already confronted,” that’s me speaking to myself as a lot as anybody else. If this music saves even one life, every thing we’ve carried out is price it.
Jingle Bells (SLAY!): We took probably the most harmless Christmas music and turned it into one thing fully unhinged. It’s our twisted vacation present to the world … nonetheless recognizable as “Jingle Bells” however with this darkish, heavy edge that makes it excellent for individuals who wish to rejoice Christmas however hate the saccharine bullshit. It’s enjoyable; it’s ridiculous, and it’s every thing a vacation music shouldn’t be.
Darkish Secrets and techniques (Cinematic Model): Jamey took my favourite music from the album and fully reimagined it. This model is extra atmospheric, extra haunting … like a film soundtrack for the darkest corners of your thoughts. Julia Lauren Bullock’s further vocals add these ethereal layers that make the entire thing really feel such as you’re drowning in your individual ideas. It’s the identical brutal honesty about hidden struggles, however introduced on this cinematic approach that hits even deeper.
The Chemistry of Meant to Be (Kellan McGregor Combine): Kellan McGregor from Memphis Could Hearth took our music and gave it this radio-friendly polish with out dropping any of the eagerness. This grew to become our first Billboard charting single, which proved we may write one thing real about love and nonetheless get radio play. The remix retains all of the explosive power however makes it extra accessible. It’s nonetheless about that on the spot, plain connection between two folks … that chemistry you’ll be able to’t faux.
