The debut album from Kings Never Die last year, All the Rats, was my favorite album for 2023. The hardcore and punk style fueled from this band, residing in parts NY, NJ, PA this 10 song 30, is still in constant rotation for me, still.  From the uplifting and in your face lyrics and vocals to the galloping and groove-laden hardcore stomps the debut is beyond catchy.  With the reformation of Biohazard, drummer Danny Schuler left Kings Never Die to stick with the Biohazard train and John “Booge” Milnes (Mucky Pup) entered to help with the recording.  Their new drummer is Dougie Beans – (original Murphy’s Law).

So less than 18 months from the release of the debut they are back with an 11 song album.  The band is rounded out with Dan Nastasi – guitar/vocals (original Mucky Pup/Dog Eat Dog), Dylan Gadino – vocals, Evan Ivkovich – bass (Wisdom in Chains) and Larry “The Hunter” Nieroda – guitar.  The title track opens with the song title being shouted over and over before the music hits.  And it sure does, then the song gallops into a speed attack and the lyrics are uplifting.  About living a good life, where you came from and do not forget your memories.  The vocal tones of Dylan and Dan are excellent and very catchy.  Great opener.

“Never Let Go” has a sound similar to something off Agnostic Front’s Cause for Alarm, with respect to the guitar tone. The catchiness of the song title being sung over and over is reminiscent off their debut with the quality of catchy tunes, each catchier than the next.  The galloping beat has an 80’s flair to it, most definitely, with some hard hitting hardcore guitar riffing.  The classic guitar solo at the two minute mark is pure classic NYHC influence.

“Can I Get A Witness” is the shortest song at two minutes.  The groove at the 20 second moment will have you two-steppin’ all damn day and picking up change in circle pits incessantly.  The galloping moments with the song title being shouted and then going right into the groove moments are excellent. The song is not overly complicated and those galloping moments are actually headbang worthy. This, along with the title track and “Never Let Go” must be in their live set.

“The Rights” is a jam-based song.  It has some good moments with some thumping bass guitar lines, which I very much enjoy.  The vocals come in around the 50 second mark and there are some cool, catchy vocal lines.  The drum work on the groove patterns are quite good with some double bass fluttering’s happening.  The song stays in the groove pattern for the duration.  The isolated guitar riff at the 2.20 section, then bass plucking, signifies a cool tempo shift that has a nice buildup, before getting back into the groove.

Overall this sophomore album, The Life & Times, is good.  There is something missing though.  The energy of the debut is not as prevalent on this one.  The catchiness of the debut where each song was catchier than the next and I can sing each of the songs front to back, is missing on this album.  As I stated the title track, “Never Let Go” and some of the others are the best and are up there!!  The rest of the songs are all ok, just kind of there, however without too much staying power.  The production and mix is excellent though.  Maybe Kings Never Die needs to take a little longer in crafting more memorable songs for the next album. I know they can do better.

 

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