Kill the Lights is more than just a brand new band. They are a supergroup of sorts headed up by former Bullet For My Valentine drummer, Michael “Moose’ Thomas. He has recruited a stellar lineup of musicians to bring forth a new and exciting metal experience. Rounding out the band is the dual guitar attack of Jordan Whelan (Still Remains) and Travis Montgomery (Threat Signal), and vocal madman James Clark (Throw the Fight). They have just released a monster debut album on Fearless Records entitled, The Sinner.
As the prelude to “Shed My Skin” wafts through the air, a faint and creepy message is delivered “There will be no mercy, there will be no surrender!” From that moment, Kill the Lights bludgeons the aural senses and sends the listener into modern metal madness. Vocalist James Clark comes at you like a locomotive at full speed and no sign of breaking. The rest of the band joins in with relentless fury and precision tight musicianship. The guitar duo of Jordan Whelan and Travis Montgomery are absolutely flawless with their barrage of riffs, leads, and solos.
Following that is “The Faceless” which leans more on the melodic side, and it is absolutely fantastic. The chorus is undeniable and hooks you instantly. You can’t help but to sing and scream along as you bang your head and pump your fists.
“Through the Night” is a beautiful and dark masterpiece as far as I am concerned. Slowing down the tempo and placing the focus more on the heartfelt emotion, this track instantly won me over, and is everything that I thought this band would deliver and more.
“Open Your Eyes” that showcases the power and precision of drummer, Michael ‘Moose” Thomas. The man is a beast on the drums! The vocals are stunning as well. The way James (Clark) transitions from brutal screams to clean and melodic is truly inspiring. I couldn’t help but sing along after my first couple of listens.
The band knocks it out of the park again with “Tear Me Apart.” From the acoustic intro to the heart wrenching vocals, this song has hit written all over it. Travis (Montgomery) and Jordan (Whelan) steal the spotlight on this track though. When the song hits that 2:22 mark, you will know exactly what I am taking about.
Wasting no time at all, the band comes back swinging with “The Enemy.” This one is just full speed ahead metal in all it’s glory. Blasts of double bass, crushing riffs, and vocals that will melt your face off!
“Unmoved” brings the album to a very satisfying close. If you are a fan of Bullet For My Valentine, you will really dig this track. One of my favorite albums of theirs is, The Poison, and this song has a lot of those same elements as “Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow.” That guitar work is phenomenal, and James (Clark) channels the energy and spirit of BFMV vocalist, Matt Tuck.
Hands down, this is one of the best metal releases of 2020. Kill the Lights have created something extremely special with The Sinner. Separately, these four individuals create great music in their respective bands. Together, they have brought their various talents and influences to create a modern day metal record that any metal fan and respect and appreciate. If you are any kind of metal fan, do yourself a favor, and check out this album.
Rating: 9/10 Stars.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
FOLLOW KILL THE LIGHTS ONLINE
