Boasting a line up that includes members of such influential metal bands as HATEBREED, DOWN, CROWBAR, and more, the infamous KINGDOM OF SORROW has been unveiled. The brainchild of vocalist/HATEBREED mastermind Jamey Jasta ... more »and riff-master Kirk Windstein, KINGDOM OF SORROW tears through an 11 track barrage of some of the most punishing, straight-up metal in years. Tracks such as "Lead Into Demise", "Demon Eyes (Demonized)", "Lead the Ghosts Astray" are as memorable as they are heavy, while the haunting "Screaming At the Sky" shows a new side to these often-copied, yet never duplicated metal luminaries. KINGDOM OF SORROW is the incredible next step in the illustrious careers of two of metal's most-celebrated heavyweights.« less
Boasting a line up that includes members of such influential metal bands as HATEBREED, DOWN, CROWBAR, and more, the infamous KINGDOM OF SORROW has been unveiled. The brainchild of vocalist/HATEBREED mastermind Jamey Jasta and riff-master Kirk Windstein, KINGDOM OF SORROW tears through an 11 track barrage of some of the most punishing, straight-up metal in years. Tracks such as "Lead Into Demise", "Demon Eyes (Demonized)", "Lead the Ghosts Astray" are as memorable as they are heavy, while the haunting "Screaming At the Sky" shows a new side to these often-copied, yet never duplicated metal luminaries. KINGDOM OF SORROW is the incredible next step in the illustrious careers of two of metal's most-celebrated heavyweights.
John E. (jenglis3) from COVENTRY, RI Reviewed on 6/22/2010...
Jasta and Windstein bring enough of their each band to make this sound different.Free the Fallen sounds the closest to classic hatebreed, but the rest of the album is more Windstein sludge metal which compliments Jasta's voice very well actually. They write solid songs and are a very good band overall.
CD Reviews
Comparable to Down and Crowbar, but unique in brutality
Seth R | MA | 02/20/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What do you get when five metal heads get together to form to form Kingdom of Sorrow? More metal, but with a flavor from their respective origins. Their self-titled debut almost sounds like it could've come out of the catalogue of any one of the members' original bands, but there are subjective differences. Their influences include the likes of Black Sabbath, Pantera, Coors Light, and claim they sound like "an airplane filled with lead crashing into a barge filled with tar."
The band consists of Kirk Windstein of Down/Crowbar (vocals and guitar), Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed (vocals), Steve Gibb of ex-Black Label Society (guitar), Matthew Brunson (bass), and Derek Kerswill of Seemless/Unearth (drums). All origins are of the metal genre, and Kingdom of Sorrow is more of the same but with further intensity. Windstein and Jasta share vocal duties and aren't bad as a pair, where Jasta's vocals are savage and vigorous and Windstein's are deep and sludge-like. Being that Windstein probably laid down most of the guitar duties for this album, it's no surprise the riffs are very similar to those of both Down and Crowbar. The first track, "Hear This Prayer For Her," could have come directly off one of Down's albums - their latest, Down - Over The Under, is most comparable. Other songs such as "Led Into Demise" and "Lead The Ghosts Astray" are fairly unique in brutality. Fans of the members' respective origins: definitely look to get your hands on Kingdom of Sorrow. Everyone else: prepare to become a fan."
A nearly perfect metal album well worth the wait.
M. Bryngelson | Boise, ID | 02/20/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"All fans of Jamey Jasta and Kirk Windstein have been patiently waiting for this album and they won't be disappointed. The mixing of the vocals is perfect and it is matched with excellent production quality...especially the mixing. Jasta's vocals are as pissed off as we've come to expect and Kirk adds just the right amount of variation to the songs. Great drumming, great lyrics, great album. I've been listening to heavy metal since 1983, and this album is the bomb. The breakdown at the end of Hear This Prayer For Her is ridiculous. There is no way to turn it up loud enough. Jasta's grunts are perfectly placed and make a great song perfect. The only thing keeping this album from being perfect is one slow song too many. No complaints, though....this is a fantastic album and you will love it. If you're in to this, buy Icepick and Down....two other side projects that absolutely rule."
One of the better releases of 2008
Spaztic | 08/16/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have never been into Hatebreed much. In fact I didn't even know the lead singer of Kingdom of Sorrow was from Hatebreed, so I didn't have any expectations. I might be criticized for saying this but Kingdom of Sorrow has a few elements that slightly remind me of Pantera...
Overall, a fantastic metal album that is in moderate rotation on my mp3 player. I would definitely recommend to others. A masterpiece it is not.