ALBUM REVIEW ~ ZOMBIEKING ~ 'DEAD TO LIFE'

I'm Music Magazine, Zombieking, Pavement Entertainment, Dead To Life, Dead at the Scene, Juan Manuel, Eddie Salinas,

Zombieking out of Robestown, TX just recently released their EP, Dead to Life through Pavement Entertainment. Influenced by traditional metal bands, the guys in Zombieking do take more of a modern approach in the music they create.

Opening up the EP is “Life.” “Life” is a 0:33 guitar piece that is dark and bluesy and paves the way for what is to come on the rest of Dead to Life.

“Dead at the Scene” hits hard like a brick to the face with those pummeling and vicious riffs. Vocalist Juan Manuel has this great voice that is a bit on the deeper end of the scale. Definite hints of Dave Draiman from Disturbed in there. Guitarist and founder, Eddie Salinas is exceptional on the guitar throughout with his leads and solos.

“Kings” takes things up a couple of notches in both and intensity and overall guitar showmanship. The song has a much heavier vibe and Eddie (Salinas) is truly a gifted musician. The way sounds he makes with that guitar and the precision that he plays with is inspiring.

At first listen, “Down Below” was not what I had expected to hear. The intro starts off more like a classic rock jam session. Then the songs cranks up at just over the 30 second mark, and Zombieking delivers that metal sound with a big side of groove.

Rounding out the EP is the ballad like “Texas Sky.” The band slows things down some and lets the heart and soul of this song shine through. There is so much grit and warmth in Juan’s voice. I hear a bit of Ivan Moody (5FDP) and Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity, DOWN) in his voice). It really is the centerpiece of the song and a fitting way to bring the EP to a close.

Plain and simple, Zombieking is one of the bands that I will be watching this year. The musicianship in this band is second to none, and I am looking forward to hearing what they can do when they drop a full album.

Rating: 8/10 Stars.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa